Eastside: January 2014

www.eastside-online.org

Vol. 48 No. 4

Cherry Hill High School East: 1750 Kresson Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003

January 2014

#EastsideSelfies

“Selfie” was chosen as Oxford Dictionaries’ Word of the Year.

That is why Eastside asked students to submit their selfies to celebrate the word.

However, there is more to celebrate from 2013 than the act of taking a photo of oneself.

See pages 12-13 for more representations of 2013 in the pop culture world.

Inside This Issue

Collage by Jordan Stein (‘14)/ Eastside Photo Editor

Students immerse themselves in languages News/Features, Pg. 4

BFFs make name for themselves Underground, Pg. 16

EEW hockey players support themselves Sports, Pg. 22

Page 2

NEWS/FEATURES EASTSIDE

Feinleib brings unique perspective to East ■ By Molly Schultz (‘14)

Eastside Humor Editor

BOE logo by Helena Sirken (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director

On Tuesday, December 17, the Board of Education convened for Lydia its monthGeorgeKoku (‘14) ly Action meeting.

At 7:00 Board of Education p.m., Board Representative President K a t h y Judge called the meeting to order. She then turned the microphone over to Superintendent Dr. Maureen Reusche, who began the meeting by recognizing the Eastside staff (members of which were seated in the audience, along with Mr. Greg Gagliardi), for their accomplishments over the past five years and for the awards students won at the National High School Journalism Convention. Eastside staff members were presented with awards.

My report centered on the theme of accomplishment, specifically, those of the East community.

To begin, I applauded the Eastside staff for their hard work and quality of the issues they produce each month. I congratulated the Cherry Hill East Ethics Team for its first-place win at the Philadelphia Regional Ethics Bowl earlier this month, which resulted in its qualifying for the National Ethics Competition. I also recognized the cross-country team for its successful season, which culminated in its placing ninth in the state of New Jersey. I spoke fondly about the outcome of Spirit Week, the success of the faculty show and Flowers for Algernon. I brought to light the student and faculty concerns regarding the lack of a two-hour delay on Monday, December 9. I expressed the vast disapproval of students regarding the Board’s late notifications about whether or not we would have school.

Mrs. Sherrie Cohen, of the Curriculum & Instruction committee, presented the new High School Course Selection Guide to the Board, relaying that “R” level courses for all sciences would be done away with, beginning next year.

The Board approved $17.9 million worth of school improvements.

Mr. Jim Devereaux announced that one of these projects will include the removal of bush blocking the walls in the courtyard. After approving the budget and acknowledging the lack of a second public commentary, the Board of Education adjourned for the evening.

January 2014

she has an interesting take on the overall attitude of the students and faculty.

“The ‘We Can Do It’ attitude gets things done. [I

ing curious about the world both socially and academically.”

Feinleib brings something different to the East

East’s former German teacher, Mr. Karl Moehlmann, is a tough act to follow, but Mrs. Ann Feinleib is filling his shoes.

She is the new German teacher at East, as well as the dedicated advisor of the German Club.

Born and raised in Moscow, Feinleib came to the United States in 1989 with her husband and daughter.

Just before coming to the United States to teach, she studied German and English linguistics at the University of Emma Wooten (‘17)/ Eastside Leipzig.

F e i n l e i b Feinleib has taught in many countries around the world. was eager to see] this desire to actually community of teacher scholcome to East once Moehldig deeper until [the stuars because she has taught mann retired. She said that dents] actually get it and in many other countries. one reason she was excited [work] things,” said Fein“I was teaching in many to teach at East was due to leib. places. I lived in Russia, “East’s reputation of acaFeinleib describes her Germany, Austria, Italy demic excellence.” students’ attitudes as “beand Israel,” said Feinleib.

As a new teacher at East,

While teaching in different countries, she found that many aspects of the schools differed.

“The culture of interaction between students and teachers is entirely different. In Germany and Russia, students still get up when the teacher walks into the room,” said Feinleib.

She saw many differences in the schools when it came to extracurricular activities and electives.

“The big plus for the United States, especially on the high school level, is all the electives. So [students] can really learn a variety of things. Also, the extra-curricular activities [are different in the schools]. In Europe, the schools are strictly academic,” said Feinleib.

She said that for the most part, extracurricular activities in Europe are based on where you live.

“I think it’s a plus Staff that everything [in the United States] is based around high school. These institutions are really a home away from home,” said Feinleib.

With her wordly teaching experiences and perspectives, Feinleib brings something unique to East.

German Club constructs Berlin Wall

presented to the class.

“Quotes reTwenty-four years ago ferred more on November 9, the fall of to the ninth the Berlin Wall marked of November the monumental liberation 1989, when of Germans from commuthe wall was nism. In memory of this destroyed,” important aspect of the said Mrs. Cold War, East’s German Ann Feinleib, students and German Club the German members constructed, and teacher at later destroyed, their own East. wall out of cardboard boxes German to convey the importance of Club memdemocracy and freedom. bers assisted German students rein creating the ceived the assignment of crewall, which ating their own brick to add was made to the East Berlin Wall. The up of over bricks symbolized the wall 100 bricks. It that once kept Germans imstood on disCourtesy of Mrs. Ann Feinleib prisoned in East Germany. play outside German Club members and students built the Berlin Wall.

Each brick the students creof the auditoated contained a quote of rium for three like ‘What the heck is that?’” kicked down the wall, while historical and personal sigdays. said German Club president others said they stomped nificance, which they later “Most people were just Dylan Poand jumped on it. gust (’14).

“Dr. Chapman asked me “Which ‘Where are the sledgehamI guess mers?’” said Feinleib. “When that’s the I was leaving at four o’clock point. It’s that night, he was screamsupposed ing ‘The wall is down! The to be an obwall is down!’” struction, German Club members something have already said they you look at would enjoy doing the projand you’re ect again next year. like ‘Why “The other question we is that discussed,” said Feinlieb, there?’” “is if there is no wall on the After a ground, is there still a wall few days, in people’s heads? Do we the Gerhave a wall in our heads?” man Club In addition to being a members fun experience, students inworked volved in the project learned together lessons about freedom, deto knock mocracy and most impordown the tantly, the possibility of wall. Some separation and segregation members still in the minds of people Courtesy of Mrs. Ann Feinleib said they living today.

Students decorated their own bricks to add to the wall.

■ By Kaitlyn Boyle (‘17)

Eastside Staff

NEWS/FEATURES

January 2014

EASTSIDE

Cohen’s passion for music and teaching guides him ■ By Haley Schultz (‘14) Eastside News/Features Editor

It may surprise you that some of our teachers have talents outside of their jobs as advisors and teachers.

Mr. Jay Cohen did not just become an inspiration when he began teaching at East; he has always been one.

Outside of being a special education teacher, Cohen is a talented pianist.

“I studied piano as a child and when I was a student I always played [at] parties on the weekends, played concerts and that was the foundation,” said Cohen.

At the age of eleven, he participated in a contest known as the Children’s Concert and won. Later, he won this contest again.

He played with the Philadelphia Orchestra in the winter. In the summer he played at Robin Hood Dell, which is now known as The Mann Music Center.

Later in his life Cohen served in many places in the Philadelphia area. He taught at Settlement Music School for ten years. For another ten years he was the Chief Pianist at the Valley Forge Music Fair. He served as director of musi-

Jordan Stein (‘14)/ Eastside Photo Editor

Cohen balances his passions for both music and teaching.

cal convention services for Caesar’s Hotel in Atlantic City. He even had his own band for fifteen years called the Jay Cohen and Friends Orchestra. They played at

many large events in the Philadelphia area.

“I was also the composer for a show that was produced by 20th Century Fox called ‘James at 15’ and

‘James at 16’,” said Cohen.

Cohen decided to be a special education teacher when he was a substitute teacher at a school in Philadelphia. He was shocked that he loved it.

“I realized that I could use my music in a therapeutic way,” said Cohen.

Cohen’s passion for both music and special education shows that a person can pursue all of his or her talents and dreams with time and practice.

“Its been a good life for me because I’ve had half of my career in music and the other half in teaching,” said

Cohen.

Cohen is a great example of a faculty member who fills his life with people and activities he loves.

Hall takes Germscheid’s place as senior class advisor ■ By Rachel Brill (‘15)

Eastside Staff

The senior class welcomed Mrs. Daria Hall as its new advisor this year.

The senior class has never had consistent advisors. Their 2010-2011 advisors were Ms. Kelly Germschied and Mrs. Jodi Rinehart. Their 2011-2012 advisors were Germschied and Ms. Laura Lucia. Their 2012-2013 advisors were Germscheid and Ms. Elizabeth Breen.

Hall, who teaches chemistry, physics and CPS, became a class advisor after Germscheid, the senior class’ previous advisor, was appointed to the position of overall Student Government Association (SGA) advisor.

This is not Hall’s first

time adwant things to go,” she vising said. a class.

Rather than institutS h e ing changes, Hall wants knows to focus on ensuring h o w success in traditional to get senior activities. She things knows some of the highdone. lights of the year so far “I’ve were Spirit Week and d o n e Powder Puff football, advising but there will be more before fun activites to come for [for the the Class of 2014. class of “[Our goal is] to get 2011] as many students to and I reparticipate in as many ally enactivities as we can,” joyed Hall said. “[We want] i t , ” to make their senior Jordan Stein (‘14)/ Eastside Photo Editor year something they H a l l s a i d . Breen and Hall are leading the Class of 2014. can enjoy and be proud “ I ’ m of.” amazing year for the graduexcited to be doing this.”

The class of 2014 should ating class.

Hall plans on working prepare for a great year as “Ms. Breen and I have a with the other advisor, Hall and Breen continue to pretty good grip on how we Breen, to make this an make this year a success.

Germscheid takes over as overall SGA advisor ■ By Meghna Kothari (‘15)

Eastside News/Features Editor

Former Student Government Association (SGA) class advisor, Ms. Kelly Germscheid, was named to the role of overall SGA advisor at the the start of this school year.

“I’m really excited to be the new advisor for SGA,” Germscheid said. “I was always pretty involved [in SGA as a] class advisor. I still work the same types of activities, but now there are more responsibilities with it.”

Germscheid previously served as advisor for the Class of 2010 and for the Class of 2014. She served as a class advisor for six years until moving to overall SGA advisor, a position that had previously been held by Mr. Michael Dappolone, who left East for an administrative position in Haddon Township.

The SGA advisor organizes school activities, such as Mr. East, with the help of students who participate in the association.

One change Germscheid made for this school year is to involve the Cherry Hill East Student Government with the New Jersey Association of Student Councils. The New Jersey Association of Student Councils (NJASC) is the association that SGA belongs to on a state level.

“The NJASC does a lot of service projects [and holds] conferences for our student government leaders to go to; to learn how to be better leaders, and come up with new activities, fundraising opportunities and different charities,” said Germscheid.

Overall, Germscheid hopes to make a positive change with her new role.

With experience from previous years in SGA, she

plans to be heavily involved in the activities in order to stay organized. She would like to conjoin SGA and dif-

ferent clubs in the school so they can work together to host events that all students can enjoy.

Alison Wooten (‘14)/ Eastside Photo Editor

Germscheid unites the school through her new position as overall SGA advisor.

Page 3

SGA Update logo by Rachel Pacitti (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director

Class presidents answer: What is your class’s New Year’s resolution?

The Class of 2014’s New Year’s resolution is to continue to build s t r o n g class uniMaddy Berman ty. It is our graduating (‘14) year, so we really want to have everyone come together so we can really enjoy our last couple of months. We also want to try to avoid senioritis as much as possible as the year goes on.

Overall, 2014 should be a good year for the Class of 2014.

The junior class is definitely looking to continue the train of success that we Sam a l r e a d y Snyder started off (‘15) the school year with.

The junior class is ready to prepare for an insane Junior Prom. For the next few months, our main priority will be raising money for prom through things like restaurant fundraisers and apparel sales, because our New Year’s resolution is to have the greatest Junior Prom that East has ever seen.

The Class of 2016’s New Year’s resolution is to have a successful SophoKennedy more Cotillion.

Omari Through (‘16) good planning and organizing, we can achieve this. The officers and representatives are working hard to plan an enjoyable cotillion that nobody will forget. Apparel and the class trip are also on the agenda. In the end, all we want for the class is a great year.

A new year brings a new start, a new beginning and a ton of resoluSung tions. Our Kwang Oh resolutions for the rest (‘17) of the year are to have a great Freshman Dance, an apparel sale and an amazing class trip. We have been working on the Freshman Dance, and once that is over, we will be working on a class apparel sale. Then we’ll end the year with a class trip. The Class of 2017 should expect great things in 2014.

NEWS/FEATURES

Page 4

EASTSIDE

January 2014

Students pursue languages outside of East ■ By Rachel Brill (‘15) Eastside Staff

Spanish, French, Latin or German: for most East students, these are the only options when it comes to choosing a world language to study.

East offers these four languages simply because teachers in these subjects were available many years ago, said Ms. Margaret Regan, an East guidance counselor. “[Those are] the teachers we had [at the time]… so it just kind of stuck,” she said.

Most students take one of the languages offered here.

A small number of students, however, decide to pursue languages outside of East.

Students have several ways to do this.

“Generally to get credit it has to be a language we offer in the school,” said Mrs. Laurie Grossman, another guidance counselor.

Only a few students have ever received credit for taking a language outside of East; most students take

the language out of interest, knowing the class will not count for school.

“Usually there’s a formal school set up. We have also had students take languages online,” said Grossman.

Mira Pomerantz (’14) takes Japanese at Dynamic Language Services, LLC in Haddonfield.

“Ever since I was little I was very interested in Japan,” said Pomerantz, who also takes Spanish at East.

Pomerantz receives oneon-one instruction in Japanese from her teacher at the school and pays for each session individually. “[I went] once a week until I took the SAT Subject Test.

Now I just go occasionally,” she said.

She does not get school credit for the class.

Besides attending an actual school, students can take online classes. These are generally taken through Educere, East’s online course provider.

“Any course that is taken outside of high school, we will recognize the grade but

it won’t be factored into the grade point average,” said Grossman. “You can take [an online class] at your own pace [but] you’re paying for a course you could take here, you lose out on one-on-one instruction.”

Regan said that taking a language online is not popular amongst East students.

Among other reasons, online courses provide little interaction and include a difficult listening portion.

Online classes can also make it difficult to learn the nuances of a language, said Mrs. Esther Alpizar, a Spanish teacher.

“It’s not just about how we say ‘hello,’ it’s the way we say ‘hello,’ and that’s something that can get lost in an online course,” she said.

The majority of students who pursue languages outside of East do so because they want to connect more with their culture.

“Students that have strong cultural or ethnic ties [might do this],” said Grossman. “A large population of Jewish students learn He-

brew. Many Greek students that I’ve worked with attend Greek schools.”

For example, Tooba Hussain (’15) takes an Arabic class at a Sunday school to learn more about her culture.

“I feel like it’s important to know how to speak and write more than one language,” said Hussain, who also takes Spanish at East. “[The class is] like regular school. We do practice problems out of a textbook. They have a midterm and a final and they assign homework,” she said.

Hussain’s class focuses on learning a language, whereas many religious schools may teach other aspects of the culture in addition to a language.

Despite the possibility of taking a language outside of East, most students choose from one of the languages offered here. However, those who want to study something other than Spanish, French, Latin, or German should realize that they do have that option.

Border by Helena Sirken (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director

Logo by Helena Sirken (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director Photos by Meghna Kothari (‘15)/ Eastside News/Features Editor Art by Haley Schultz (‘14)/ Eastside News/Features Editor

We asked...

What’s not your New Year’s Resolution?

If you could date anyone in the school, who would it be?

How will you be more scholarly in the new year?

Who have you resolved to talk to more this year?

Get a better math grade Get bad grades

Haley Pawliczek (‘17)

Peyton Manning

Ryan Taylor (‘17)

Christy Marrella-Davis College Consultant

Fail school

You

Study 25 hours a day

Lindsey Lohan

Do my homework

Julie Benbassat (‘15)

Jon Zablin (‘15) Fail my classes

Julie Benbassat (‘15)

Sumayyah Jones (‘15)

Home: 856.795.4143 • Mobile: 609.744.8666

Email: cmarrella@aol.com To be more organized

Ms. Hird

311 Tearose Lane Cherry Hill, NJ 08003

Ms. Dilba

Get to my lunch duty on time

My students

“Like” us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/kickinyourapps

COMMUNITY

January 2014

EASTSIDE

Page 5

Ice rinks are the perfect place to “chill” ■ By Jenna Wilson (‘15)

Eastside News/Features Editor

Ice-skating is a classic winter pastime, and this winter you can lace up your skates at a variety of different rinks in the Philadelphia area. The most wellknown destination in the area is the Blue Cross RiverRink. Located on South Columbus Boulevard in Philadelphia, it boasts an Olympic-sized ice rink on the banks of the Delaware River. A live DJ is featured every Friday and Saturday night from 9 p.m. to midnight. It includes a heated snack bar and game room.

Since it was the 20th anniversary of the Blue Cross RiverRink, the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation held a pop-up holiday village. This was the first t i m e t h e

rink has offered anything other than skating. The village, called the Waterfront Winterfest, featured a 400-person warming tent that was filled with specialty shops housed in repurposed shipping containers. The tent was also filled with pine trees, fire pits, a pop-up restaurant and a craft market, along with other activities.

Every evening between 5 and 11 p.m., visitors enjoyed Bright Lights, Big Santa and a 3-D light show accompanied by holiday music. The light show ran every hour. Admission to the Blue Cross RiverRink is $3; skate rental is available for $10. Admission is free Monday through Thursday before 5 p.m.

As part of the Winter Classic Week at Citizens Bank Park, the Flyers hosted public skating sessions on the outdoor rink, which were on the field at the ballpark.

Public skating sessions are an hour long.

So far there have been seven sessions that have taken place. Five on Saturday, January 7 and two more on Tuesday, January 3—the day after the 2013 Winter

Classic was played. Tickets were $60 for adults, $50 for children and $10 for a non-skating spectator pass.

You had to bring your own ice skates; there were none available for rental o n site.

Don’t want to skate out in the elements?

There are plenty of indoor skating rinks loc a t e d around South Jersey.

T h e Penn I c e Rink at the Class o f 1923 Aren a h a s h a d skati n g

open to the community for over 40 years.

In addition to being home to collegiate hockey teams from Penn, Drexel and St. Joe’s, the rink hosts p u b l i c skating, figure skating, broomball, roller sports and other group events open to the public.

The Laura Simms Skate House was recently re-opened as a newly converted indoor ice rink in West Philadelphia. The Laura Simms Skate House will be open 365 days a year. Snider Hockey provides free “learn to skate” programs, public skating opportunities, ice hockey instruction and league play.

The Simmons Ice Rink, which is in the West Oak

Lane section of Philadelphia, has recently been redone and fully enclosed.

The Rizzo Rink in Philadelphia is open for public skating every day of the week except for Mondays.

The only cost is a $3 skate rental fee. While this isn’t the newest rink in the city, it is going to be renovated within the next year.

You can still go skating without crossing the bridge, as there are plenty of rinks here in New Jersey. Right around the corner is the Flyers’ Skate Zone, where students at East on the ice hockey team practice and play games. Public ice skating times are available Monday through Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Friday from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is $8 per session and skate rental is $3 per session.

The Igloo in Mt. Laurel is an indoor skating rink. Admission is $8 and skate rental is $2.

It offers public skating, figure skating and ice hockey.

The Hollydell Ice Arena in Sewell has been voted best indoor ice arena by the Courier Post readers for the past 13 years. It offers two ice rinks, one Olympic size and one NHL size. It has public skating, figure skating and ice hockey. During the week admission is $7 per session and skate rental is $3, and on the weekends, admission is $9 and skate rental is $3.

During this winter season, take some time to try out a new and fun activity at one of the many local ice rinks.

Bundle up and grab a friend.

Each ice rink offers different fun things to do, while they are all local. Being just a short drive away, this pastime favorite is sure to please.

Art by Grace Shen (‘16)/ Eastside Staff

Allison Wooten (‘14)/ Eastside Photo Editor

An outside view of the local skate zone.

Allie Grossman (‘16)/ Eastside Community Editor

The Wachovia Center, home of the Philadelphia Flyers.

Allison Wooten (‘14)/ Eastside Photo Editor

An inside view of the local skate zone.

A Taste of Olive offers an authentic taste of Italy ■ By Liza Rothkoff (‘16)

Eastside Staff

Jordan Stein (‘14)/ Eastside Photo Editor

A Taste of Olive presents unique olive oil.

A Taste of Olive, which has multiple locations in Pennsylvania and a location in Haddonfield, is home to some of the highest quality olive oils and vinegars around the world.

The store, which has been open for about three years, has over fifty different varieties of oils and vinegars.

“The most popular oil that is sold is the Taste of Olive House Blend,” said a store employee, who chose to remain anonymous.

Aside from oil and vinegar, the small shop sells many other items.

“Other than vinegar and oil, we offer ornate foods

and pottery from Italy,” said the employee.

The other items that the store offers are silverware, serving platters, gift baskets and various types of spreads.

The employees are willing to help with inquiries and are knowledgeable about the products that the store sells. The staff advises the customers about what type of food the products go with best and the temperature the oils and vinegars should be kept at.

Like most stores, the holidays are a popular time for gift-giving from local establishments.

“Christmas time is one of the busiest times of the year,” said the employee.

The store has a large se-

lection of items and special sets of oil and vinegar to buy for holiday gifts.

The store did not have any holiday flavors but prepared many custom gift sets for purchase. A Taste of Olive offers unique gifts that are perfect for any time of year. The store hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays.

The store is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays.

Many enjoy being able to create their own olive oils, as well as getting the experience of the unique atmosphere once they step inside.

This fun, local taste of Italy tingles tastebuds and puts a smile on customers’ faces once they leave the store.

COMMUNITY

Page 6

EASTSIDE

January 2014

ZinBurger and Burger 21 vie for the top spot ■ By Allie Grossman (‘16) and

Gabrielle Calder (‘16) Eastside Community Editor and For Eastside

It is impossible to resist a juicy hamburger from some of the best places in town. Many restaurants offer great hamburgers, such as Burger 21 in Voorhees and Zinburger, located right here in Cherry Hill. They might offer the same genre of food, but the taste and atmosphere are very different.

If one is looking for an innovative burger restaurant, then Burger 21 is the place. Not only is there a sauces bar (yes, a sauce bar!), but there are also many interesting burgers to choose from.

Some sauces include toasted marshmallow, which resembles the flavor one would get from a vanilla cupcake.

“Great service, great ambiance, wonderful milkshakes and delicious burgers,” said Aaron Silverberg (‘16).

Burger 21 is open Mondays through Thursdays from 11 a.m.

to 9 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Burger 21 is also unique in supporting a “Charity of the Month”.

Burger 21 has donated o v e r

$25,000 to local charities since its opening. On the 21st of each month, the restaurant donates portions of its sales to its charity partner of the month.

So far, Burger 21 has teamed up

with The Animal Orphanage, the American Welfare Association, the African Book Challenge and Voorhees Girl Scout Troops.

Z i n burger c o u l d be described as a high-end burger r e s -

taurant b e cause o f rior

its inteand the burger meat that is offered.

“It’s the best place in town to grab a burger,” said Drew Meklin-

sky (’16).

Kobe beef is an option, but it comes with a price. Zinburger also features a Burger of the Month.

Zinburger’s hours are Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Zinburger has crazy milkshakes on its menu that entice your taste buds just by reading their descriptions.

The fries at both restaurants resemble each other, both skinny and crispy, with tons of flavor. The sweet potato fries at each place are incredible and come with tons of sugar on them. If you love burgers, then both of these restaurants will be sure to satisfy.

Burger 21 has a normal setting with bar tables and booths.

Zinburger’s televisions provide a great place to grab a burger and watch sports. Both of these restaurants offer a unique dining experience and delicious foods, so be sure to check both of them out.

For more information on Burger 21, visit www.burger21.com.

For more information on ZinBurger, visit www.zinburgernj.com

Art by Julia Hablak (‘17)/ For Eastside

Local chains overtake national restaurants ■ By Jenna Wilson (‘15)

Eastside News/Features Editor

Everyone knows about the McDonald’s of the world. Those chain restaurants that you can’t seem to escape, no matter where you go.

But, the Philadelphia area is home to many regional chains that disappear when you head upstate or down south.

For example, Wawa, beloved by the Cherry Hill East community, currently only has locations in southern New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and, most recently, Florida. The organization is so deeply rooted in the Pennsylvania

area that its mascot, the “wawa,” is a Native American word for the Canada Goose that was found in the Delaware Valley.

While many rely on Wawa for their sandwich fix, another local chain can also satisfy that craving.

Jersey Mike’s Subs has 31 locations in New Jersey, but are expanding nationally. Slack’s Hoagies Shack has 11 locations in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Georgia. They have Philadelphia cheesesteaks, hoagies and Tastykakes that are shipped overnight anywhere in the country, and are also available for purchase in the store.

Lee’s Hoagie House has 17 locations in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Another sandwich shop, Primo’s Hoagies, has locations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Florida.

Craving Asian food? Penang, a Malaysian restaurant, is another local chain that has locations in New Jersey and Philadelphia. Another restaurant sure to satisfy Asian food cravings is the award-winning Han Dynasty. The restaurant has been named on CNN’s Top Chinese Restaurants in America list and has locations in the Philadelphia area, and one restaurant here in Cherry Hill.

Chickie’s and Pete’s is unique to Philly and serves unique cuisine too. Their famous crab fries—fries seasoned with old bay seasoning—

Restaurant adds flair to Cherry Hill ■ By Julia Rothkoff (‘16)

Eastside Community Editor

Logo by Rachel Pacitti(‘15)/ Eastside Art Director ■ By Leah Korn (‘16) Eastside Staff

Project Lev is a religious school program open to children with disabilities. Project Lev enables kids who might not otherwise be able to attend a religious school to learn about and experience their religion. I got involved with this program this school year and am so grateful that I have had the opportunity to work with such amazing kids.

Project Lev is open to children of all grade levels with a wide variety of disabilities. Meeting every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Congregation Beth El in Voorhees, the children and the teen volunteers play games, sing

songs, make art projects and participate in schoolwide events. All teen volunteers are matched up with a buddy whom they spend most of their time with, but I have gotten to know all of the kids in the program.

It is so rewarding to see the kids smile when they complete a puzzle or start clapping when their favorite song is played. Project Lev has not only given all children the chance to learn about and enjoy everything that Hebrew School has to offer, but has given me, as well as the other teen volunteers, the experience of a lifetime. To get involved, call Beth El and inquire about volunteering for Project Lev.

is unique to the Philadelphia area.

If you are on a college campus, keep an eye out for Cluck-U chicken. This regional chain, which sells fried chicken and French fries, is only on university campuses across New Jersey and Maryland.

Want dessert? Cacia’s bakery has seven locations in Philadelphia and New Jersey. Liscio’s Italian Bakery has three locations in New Jersey and bakes their own bread, cakes and tea biscuits daily. Rita’s Water Ice is another popular chain, serving gelato, soft-serve ice cream and, of course, water ice.

These restaurants are all unique to the Philadelphia area and are awaiting your arrival.

The Farm and Fisherman Tavern presents a new dining experience for the locals of Cherry Hill. The 30-seat restaurant, open seven days a week for dinner, lunch and soon breakfast, offers fresh and local cuisine. The restauarant was built off the idea of “farm to fork dining,” meaning the chef utilizes locally grown produce and livestock. The owners are well-known for their innovative menu and have

The Breads and Spreads, displayed on a large wooden lazy susan, smeared with assorted salads and spreads. The dish was served with freshly baked pita bread. I also ordered the Rhode Island calamari.

The calamari was fried and presented with parsley, celery and a savory vinaigrette.

For the entree, I ordered the local chopped vegetable salad.

The salad contained Brussels sprouts, ricotta salata and olives, and for the dressing, an oregano vinaigrette.

I also ordered the minestrone soup and the giant meatball

and gravy been recas the sides. ognized by P h i l a - Logo courtesy of www.thefarmandfishermanbyob.comT h e minedelphia strone soup was filled with Magazine as the “Best of kale, beans, ditalini pasta Philly 2012” for their sister and various other vegetalocation in Philadelphia. bles. The soup was served The restaurant’s atmowith a piece of crostini. The sphere is an eclectic mix meatball was very large, of a modern tavern and a as promised by the name comfortable dining space. of it. The dish was filled There is also a small marwith herbs and was topped ket to the right side of the off with grated cheese and restaurant that is yet to be marinara sauce. stocked.

Although the food was The meal started off with

delicious, the wait-staff have yet to work out a few kinks. The food was delivered to the table very quickly, which at first was great. However, the entree was brought to the table a few minutes after the appetizer was brought out so there was not enough room on the table for all of the food.

Overall, The Farm and Fisherman Tavern is worth the visit and a welcome addition to the Cherry Hill dining scene.

Address: 1442 East Route 70 Cherry Hill, New Jersey

08003 Lunch Hours: Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m - 4 p.m Dinner Hours: Monday-Thursday 4 p.m - 10 p.m.

Friday and Saturday 4 p.m - 11 p.m Sunday 4 p.m - 9 p.m Recommended Dishes: Local Chopped Vegetable Salad Breads and Spreads Market Hours: Monday-Saturday 7:30 a.m - 6:30 p.m

OPINIONS

January 2014

EASTSIDE

Page 7

End Rosa lottery Pennies should be banned now

does minting pennies cost us 58 million dollars per year, but looking for pennies in our pockFor Eastside ets costs us one billion dollars every year.

Pennies often end up in jars or piles never Money in America comes in all shapes and to be touched or used. So the US Mint is paysizes. There are all sorts of paper bills and ing almost 60 million dollars to produce a coin metal coins, but all variations of money are that just sits around in people’s houses. The used for one purpose: to facilitate the exchange penny has one job, to facilitate the exchange of goods and services. Unof goods and services, and it fortunately, not all of our cannot even do that. This is denominations of money why it must go. do their job effectively. One There are some pro-penproblem is with the penny. ny arguments, some of the The penny is America’s most popular being conone-cent coin and is also cern over increased prices one of our greatest nuisancand the value of the penny es. Pennies do much more for charities. While many harm than good in our socipeople believe that by elimiety and economy. They benating the penny, prices in come unnecessary baggage the country would go up, that we tend not to use. other countries which have They really do not do much stopped producing one-cent good at all. coins have not seen any sigAs of 2012, making one nificant price increase due to Haley Schultz (‘14)/ Eastside News/ single penny costs the U.S. the stop in production. Also, Features Editor Mint 1.99 cents, almost while many charities rely on double its value. The gov- Pennies cost more than they are worth. penny drives and the “every ernment has lost 58 million dollars this year penny counts” idea, charities could change to producing the penny. Yes, it costs us millions a nickel drive. People would still have nickels of dollars just to make a coin that is hardly and dimes laying around for donation. used. Coins are primarily used for things like Many countries, including Canada and vending machines, toll booths and parking Australia, have already gotten rid of their onemeters, but many of these things do not accent coins with no ill effects. The simple solucept pennies anymore. Pennies can hardly be tion would be to stop producing these coins used for anything that coins are usually used and implement a rounding tax, in which the for because they are such a hassle. total price of any purchase, after tax, is roundThere is an idea in business and economed either up or down to the nearest multiple of ics called “opportunity cost.” Basically, this 5. This would allow the nickel to become the concept says that the time one spends doing lowest denomination of U.S currency. People a task could be spent doing something more could still use pennies as legal tender, but profitable. For example, instead of watching the Mint would not be circulating any more of a television show, one could instead spend them and stores would send them back to the that time making money. Studies show that Mint for melting. The penny population would if Americans spend an average of two seconds then slowly decline until it is eliminated. fiddling with their wallets and purses looking Author and video-blogger John Green sums for pennies to have the exact amount for their up the penny debate the best. He says, “Pentransactions, the time wasted costs each pernies are worthless. [Actually] no they aren’t, son $3.65 yearly. That totals to about one bilthings that are worthless are worth nothing. lion dollars for all of America yearly. Not only Pennies are worth much less than nothing.”

■ By Matt Nussbaum (‘16)

Spencer Maussner (‘16)/ For Eastside

Enrollment should not be based on a lottery.

■ By Grace Shen (‘16) Eastside Staff

The first big decision Cherry Hill public school students must make is in fifth grade: choosing which middle school to attend.

Those who reside on the west side of town are assigned to Carusi by default and those who live on the east side are assigned to Beck by default, but any student may choose to “apply” to Rosa. Those who live in the 08034 area code and attend Johnson may attend any of the three middle schools. If the number of students who apply to Rosa exceeds the number of spots available, then students must be randomly selected from a lottery pool in order to gain admittance. The students who are not selected are placed on a waiting list, and may choose to attend if spaces at Rosa become available over the next three years.

During the past few months, the Board of Education has been reconsidering this Open Enrollment Policy. The issue with the current system is that by making one school more selective than the other— even if it is an arbitrary selection—that school seems better than the others. If a school must be selective, it should select its students based on specific qualifications, such as academic or athletic skills. This system would be more logical, as the students would have to meet prerequisites to attend, rather than simply being random winners of a lottery.

Cherry Hill is a public school district, which should mean that our schools admit all students within township boundaries. Is it not slightly hypocritical, then, to have an exclusive middle school that only certain students can attend?

Rosa has this system because it is considered a magnet school, a school that draws students from a relatively large geographic area.

Some magnet schools accept all who apply.

Others are selective, as Rosa is, but usually through a more competitive entrance exam.

Most magnet schools have courses that focus on one field of study, such as performing arts or engineering. In these cases, an entrance exam makes sense to admit only those with a genuine interest in the school’s specialty.

Rosa was created as a magnet school because when it was opened, the Middle Years Programme of the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum was unique to Rosa. But now, aspects of this curriculum, such as the study of at least two languages and the information literacy independent research project, are integrated into all three middle schools. Though Rosa remains the only school to be “International” by name, all three schools teach a comparable curriculum. There is no longer any reason for Rosa to be a magnet school.

Instead of the Open Enrollment policy, the Rosa lottery system should be eliminated.

Enrollment should instead be divided by neighborhoods, just as elementary schools are.

Four of the twelve elementary schools should direct their fifth-graders to Beck, another four to Rosa, and the last four to Carusi. Regardless of which middle school the students attend, they will receive a Cherry Hill-standard education and ultimately end up at Cherry Hill High School East or West.

Additionally, this method may save the district busing money, as instead of driving all over town, the buses will be driving to the middle school closest to the students’ neighborhoods.

Of course, Rosa will still be the “International” school of our middle school bunch, but if there is no prerequisite for attending, the group of students might as well just be predetermined by region rather than lottery. Why cause unnecessary bias towards one school?

East needs more languages ■ By Brooke Greenberg (‘17)

For Eastside

With so many private schools these days offering countless world languages such as Hebrew, Mandarin and Japanese, East will benefit from having more languages to compete with local private schools.

For example, Moorestown Friends offers Mandarin and Kellman Brown Academy requires Hebrew.

But students should not have to pay to attend a private school to get the world language education that they would want.

Although some private schools are designed to offer options that public schools cannot, the high tax prices in Cherry Hill and outstanding curriculum should incorporate more of the world languages that are often offered at private schools.

East is such a multi-cultural school and having a broader range of languages to choose from will increase diversity. Offering more languages will make students more culturally aware.

According to a Global Post article, students who take a second language in school have higher SAT and ACT scores. They are, additionally, more diverse because students learn about traditions, history and culture as well as learning how to speak the language. Also, learning more languages helps with future job opportunities because bilingual

employees are in great demand by companies and organizations trying to break into the global market.

Learning languages that recent immigrants to the United States already speak would benefit East students, so that they could effectively communicate with these people, who may not yet be fluent in English. Today, in addition to Spanish, French and German speaking immigrants, the United States is seeing large numbers of immigrants from Asian countries.

It would greatly benefit students to be able to learn languages such as Mandarin and Korean which many present-day Americans, and a large population in Cherry Hill, already speak.

Also, learning different languages will expand students’ knowledge of culture and life in other countries. Knowing how to speak and write other languages will make students more cultural and more well-rounded, because communities, especially Cherry Hill, are very cultural with dozens of languages, cultures and lifestyles.

Having more languages at East will make a vast improvement in the community, especially when later in life, East students are able to have conversations in languages such as Hebrew, Japanese and Mandarin, all thanks to a quality high school language education.

Language typefaces by Helena Sirken (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director

Can you name the languages you see here?

Go to eastside-online.org/opinions to see if you’re correct!

OPINIONS

Page 8

EASTSIDE

January 2014

Do not let Russia host Winter Olympics ■ By Talia Balakirsky (‘14)

Eastside Staff

From the seventh to the twenty-third of February 2014, thousands will be tuning in to one of the most anticipated events of the year: the Winter Olympics.

Hosted in Sochi, Russia, the Olympics have become quite the controversy over the past few weeks as debate heightens over whether or not Russia is best suited to host the Olympics. Within the last year, Russia has passed and enacted extreme, homophobic laws which range from the arrest of same-sex couples who are seen publicly kissing to the fining and even deportation of people who support LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) rights.

With same-sex marriage developing as more of a societal norm in America today, it has become increasingly important that we show that this type of action against the gay community will

not be tolerated. Currently, their sexual orientation be indirectly or directly, seventeen US states legalwhich, in turn, may cause that it is okay for a very ized gay marriage. Many of those athletes to perform large majority of our world’s these states have adopted on a lower level than they population to continue to be these laws over the last few are able to. Hosting the discriminated against. months and many more are Olympics in Russia hinders It is further unacceptexpected to change their our society from making able to have the Winter laws in the coming months. further advancements toOlympics hosted in Russia Allowing Russia to host the wards equality because in due to the amount of media Winter Olympics, given allowing this, we are statcoverage the event receives. their anti-gay policies, reing simply, no matter if it Continuing the Olympics in flects poorly on Sochi, we are, America and quite voluntariother countries ly, sending a that extend message to the equal rights to worldwide comall citizens. We munity that are, accordingRussia’s antily, condoning gay laws are these treachnot a viable conerous Russian cern or interest laws. of the Olympic Moreover, Movement, and the safety of supporting the gay athletes LGBTQ comwho plan to munity is not a participate in priority. Blake the Sochi OlymSkjellerup, an pics will also Olympic speed become a point skater, native of increasing New ZeaCourtesy of Theguardian.com of concern as Olympic speedskater Blake Skjellerup of New Zealand, and the they will likely land, who is openly gay, will compete at Sochi this first openly gay be targeted for February despite Russia’s homophobic laws. athlete to an-

nounce his intent to participate in the upcoming 2014 Winter Olympics, has said that he believes that going to the Olympics in Sochi will bring awareness to the issue of LGBT rights.

In an interview with The Guardian, he said, “I will be myself in Russia and at the moment that is illegal. My goal is to inspire, encourage and offer support to LGBT people in Russia.”

Skjellerup, who will likely be followed by numerous other athletes who have not yet gone public with their sexual orientation, will nonetheless endure a tough battle in February. To have to deal with such concerns such as safety and fairness of scoring is unacceptable for these athletes who have come so far in preparing for the 2014 Olympics.

With all of this in mind, we can only be hopeful that the Olympic Movement makes the right decision in the remaining few weeks we have left before the opening ceremonies begin.

Decrease excessive animal dissections ■ By Jenna Myers (‘17)

Eastside Staff

Each year, approximately ten million animals are dissected in classrooms throughout the United States, according to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

These animals are killed, sold to biology supply companies and re-sold to educational institutions so that students can examine the anatomy of the specimens. According to the Humane Society, an estimated 6 million vertebrate animals are dissected in U.S. high school classrooms alone.

Though dissections have scientific value, these numbers are excessive and represent inhumane treatment of the animal population.

Steps must be taken to reduce the quantity of animals dissected annually.

At East, 204 preserved specimens will be dissected this school year. Dissection is a component of the curricula of Biology I Honors and Accelerated, Human Anatomy and Vertebrate Anatomy courses.

“I think that dissection is a great learning tool for the students,” said Ms. Katie Boyle, Biology and Human Anatomy teacher. “Our East students are fortunate to be exposed to such a great science learning experience.”

The largest numbers of specimens – 132 – are dissected in Biology I, because all students are required to take biology, and because dissections are done at both the honors and accelerated levels. Fetal pigs are dissected because their anatomy is similar to the anatomy of humans.

“It gives students the opportunity to see anatomy hands on,” Mrs. Holly Sassinsky, a Biology I teacher, said.

In Human Anatomy, six cats are dissected per class section. For eight to ten lab cycles, students dissect the same cat multiple times, studying different parts, such as muscles, bones and specific organs, each lab period. This is an extremely efficient method, because only 24 cat specimens will be dissected in Human Anatomy compared to a potential 240 if a different cat were to be used each cycle. Other biology courses, at East and throughout the country, should strive to use this method as much as possible to reduce the number of specimens that

are dissected.

Vertebrate Anatomy, a dissection-intensive course, involves the dissection of eight different species.

This is a unique program, and caters to a small group of students—this year twelve students are enrolled— but even so, perhaps some steps,

such as using lab groups slightly larger than pairs, or dissecting some of the species virtually, can be taken to reduce the number of specimens used.

In addition to the animal rights concerns associated with the dissections, dissecting animals can seem

The Anatomy of Dissections at East

Art by Helena Sirken (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director, Infographic design by Gilana Levavi (‘14)/ Eastside Opinions Editor

The species dissected at East are purchased from Carolina Biological. According to this company’s website, many of the specimens are already dead when the company receives them. For example, euthanized cats are supplied by shelters, and fetal pigs are by-products of sausage meat companies.

The opinion represented here is just one approach to this complex issue. We welcome more opinions on the topic: Email opinions@eastside-online.org to voice your opinion and be considered for publication.

gruesome to some students, such as Jonah Cohn (’15).

“I would be generally unhappy and complain a bit,” said Cohn.

“Then I would proceed to grudgingly complete the dissection.”

Sassinsky said that typically, fewer than five students per year do not want to be a part of the fetal pig dissection. She strongly encourages that students do participate in the lab.

“I feel like the best way to learn it is to do it,” Sassinsky said.

Eleven states in the United States — including California, Florida and New Jersey — have laws stating that students have the right to choose humane alternatives to dissection without penalties. That means that students like Cohn do not have to dissect an animal physically, but can choose virtual dissection instead. Many quality virtual dissection programs exist, and as technology continues to develop, these programs will likely improve.

Virtual dissections should be used more often because they can help reduce the number of animals killed for dissection and can save money.

Teachers should clearly state that students have the option of choosing physical or virtual dissection, and should explain the pros and cons of both options. Each student should then decide independently which option they prefer. Students should not be swayed by their teacher or penalized for their choice.

Not only East, but also schools nationwide, should make efforts to reduce the number of animals they dissected by re-using specimens when possible to study all parts of its anatomy, by dissecting in slightly larger lab groups, and by introducing more virtual dissection to the curriculum. There should be a limit to the number of dissections permitted per year per school, proportional to student body size. More states must legally state that students have the right to choose alternatives to physical dissection. It must be mandatory that each school has virtual dissection programs. The dissection of animals is an important aspect of the science curriculum, but schools need to take steps to reduce the excessive number of animals being killed annually.

OPINIONS

January 2014

EASTSIDE

Page 9

The development of drones raises questions ■ By Joe Levin (‘17) For Eastside

Because of advancements in US technology, the killing of innocent men, women and children in countries such as Pakistan and Yemen has become more of an accepted reality than a disaster or tragedy. This is why the use of drones must be stopped and why experienced, trained, battle-ready soldiers must be solely responsible in the war against terror. Arguably, citizens of our country would be more at risk by terminating the use of these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in the future.

However, why is the killing of innocent citizens of other countries the preferred alternative? Is this a moral course for the United States to follow? And is it worth having the United States depicted throughout much of the world in a negative way?

Drones, without a doubt, have some outstanding benefits. In some cases our drone strikes promote United States security interests, as well as the interests of other nations, killing some of the most dangerous terrorists. For example, one of the United States’ strikes fulfilled a Pakistani objective by killing Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud.

But if we allow ourselves to be

set aside the hatred some of us have for these cruel people, and look instead at the men, women and children forced to live their entire lives surrounded by these terrorists. Most families in Pakistan and Yemen do not have the luxury of choosing where they want to live and who they want to live near, unlike many citizens of the United States. The people who are harmed whenever a UAV bombs a general area include not only the intended target, but every other bystander in the area. In Miran Shah, Pakistan, 18 civilians including a 14-year-old were killed in an armed drone attack. In addition, in Yemen, an airstrike was ordered which ended up murdering 12 innocent people traveling on a minibus. Among the 12 deaths, there were three children and a pregnant woman.

These tragic attacks on innocent people of various countries should raise red flags to the US government and citizens. Using drones may prevent innocent US citizens from risk, but if recent statistics are analyzed, the deaths of hundreds of innocent citizens of other countries will continue.

According to The Bureau of Investigative Journalism, from June 2004 to the middle of September 2012, drone strikes “killed 2,5623,325 people in Pakistan.”

Among these people, 474881 were civilians including 176 children.

In late October 2013, two respected human rights organizations, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, released separate reports documenting that in nine suspected drone strikes in Pakistan, “dozens of civilians have been killed,” and in continuing heavy drone u s e ,

CON

blinded by the fact that terrorists are dying, we will be oblivious to the fact t h a t c o m pletely innocent Pakistani children are dying as well; people who want these cruel terrorists dead as much as we do.

In fact, a study conducted

by Stanford Law School and New York University’s School of Law “calls for a re-evaluation of the practice,” stating that the number of “high-level targets killed” as a percentage is exceptionally low; about two percent.

It is understandable that Americans may loathe these terrorists, especially if a loved one has passed away as a result of one of their attacks. But perhaps we should take a step back,

t h e United States “ m a y have violated international law” and “committed war crimes.” People who have done absolutely nothing against the United States are suffering fates they do not deserve. Like anything else, drones have their benefits. However, the countless deaths of innocent men, women and children in certain Middle-Eastern countries is too high of a price to pay.

Drone art by Grace Shen (‘16)/ Eastside Staff

“We must define our effort not as a boundless ‘global war on terror,’ but rather as a series of persistent, targeted efforts to dismantle specific networks of violent extremists that threaten America.”

-President Barack Obama “The position of the government of Pakistan is quite clear, it does not consent to the use of drones by the United States on its territory and it considers this to be a violation of sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

- Pakistani Tribal Council

“The president, a politician...should never get to decide someone’s death by flipping through some flash cards and saying, ‘You want to kill him?

Yeah, let’s go ahead and kill him.”

- Senator Rand Paul

“[It’s] entirely sensible...foreign citizens who are involved with Al Qaeda or American citizens, we are in a war. They have attacked us. We have a congressional authorization to use military force in response.”

- Former UN Ambassador John Bolton

Cityscape by Helena Sirken (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director

■ By Alex Grayson (‘14) Eastside Opinions Editor

If you truly want to speak out against drone warfare with respectable conviction and validity, you must contextualize your argument to the nature of war. Holster your hyper-sensitive moral compass and keep your propensity for pathos under control.

It is important to understand two rudimentary ideas surrounding drone warfare.

First, modern-day warfare is terribly messy. War is typically fought in densely populated regions and there are, consequently, civilian casualties. The majority of US drone strikes occur in Northwestern Pakistani tribal villages where the Taliban operates alongside community members.

These casualties, however, should remain casualties. It is simply inappropriate to elaborate on the gruesome nature of these casualties when arguing against the use of drones. We are debating military technology, not the intrinsic ideology of engaging in war.

Second, the primary difference between drone warfare and traditional F-22 air strikes is the absence of an onboard pilot. Drones are not autonomous vehicles created in a basement by some disillusioned psychopath. Drones are highly sophisticated, complex unmanned aerial vehicles that have been progressively developing since pre-9/11 times.

There are multiple operators orchestrating the every move and strike of an armed drone - and those operators are subjected to the same rigid standards and accountability as the fighter jet pilot launching attacks from the sky. There is no lapse in attentiveness between drone operators and fighter jet pilots.

As a matter of fact, according to The Economist, over 100 people operate an armed drone and attacks are only launched once an on scene scout gives the go ahead. So, it would not be farfetched to say vigilance is significantly raised with drone warfare.

The notion that some tech-savvy militant can launch lethal drone strikes in Pakistan from the basement of an Arkansas military base is, admittedly, unsettling. But, predisposed feelings aside, drone strikes are categorically safer and more precise than ground or fighter pilot strikes – and that is not an opinion.

According to the Bureau of Investigative Journaism, there have been between 472 and 885 civilians killed in US drone strikes as of

October 2012. That is an alarming amount of civilian casualties. But compare that number to the number of civilians killed during ground combat. According to internal US government judgments – leaked through WikiLeaks’ Iraq War Logs – 66,081 civilians were killed in the period between January 2004 and December 2009. That is 140 times as many casualties as drone strikes – in the same amount of time.

The numbers reveal the greatest truth and effectively topple an opposing argument. Not only are our men and women fighting overseas safer, but so are civilians. Drones, in the most unabashed sense, are a safer way to kill with less collateral damage.

The ethics and morals of creating a machine that can launch a remote, lethal strike are shaky at best. It goes against the historical institution of war and raises the same questions that were raised when weapons like the flamethrower were introduced in World War II. However, no matter which angle you take, war itself is devoid of any clear ethics. The United States already uses far more advanced weaponry and more sophisticated technique than its counterparts. But, the argument that keeping soldiers on the ground is a safer alternative is absurd; with drones we can limit casualties on both sides and facilitate cleaner, safer attacks. Instead of having to seek out Taliban members on foot in a crowded Pakistani village, intelligence agencies can find them and launch an attack on a screen from a remote location, ensuring the safety of American soldiers.

Drone warfare is still war and there has been no paradigm shift. The only way to curb the violence and keep civilians from being killed is to stop engaging in wars and exercise pacifism.

As of now, there is no light at the end of the blood-stained tunnel. War is an inevitable, ingrained part of American defense efforts. Drones are no solution, by any means. But they certainly soften the brunt of war. Don’t let the rhetoric and emotionally charged statements muddle the clear, explicit facts.

Insecurities about the development of drones are warranted, but they should not cause people to argue something along the lines of “killing from afar makes the United States look bad, let’s send more troops in to safeguard our image.” Be sensible. Look at the facts and understand the unfortunate reality of war.

PRO

EDITORIAL

Page 10

EASTSIDE

Editorials represent the views and opinions of the Eastside Editorial Board.

East community must be more sensitive to mental health disorders Phrases like “I’m going to kill myself” or “I’m so depressed!” are casually used statements that are commonly heard in the halls of East and on social media sites. Pictures exemplifying depression and cutting on the Internet, attempting to raise awareness and sympathy from those who are ignorant on the subject, are often passed off as jokes. But what many people do not understand is that depression, along with other mental health issues such as general anxiety, social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anorexia, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, are not joking matters.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 21 percent of all adolescents have a mental or addictive disorder that causes “at least minimal impairment” in their life, and four million children in the United States suffer from a serious mental disorder that causes “significant functional impairments at home, at school and with peers.” Furthermore, one in ten young people experienced a period of major depression in 2011, according to mentalhealth.gov.

Nevertheless, many students joke about mental disorders and those who suffer from them. Mental health issues are often seen as character flaws or others say that students who suffer from such disorders are “weird.”

This attitude stems from a lack of understanding about mental health issues and their debilitating effects on those who suffer from them. Because of this pervasive stigmatic attitude, many students who suffer from a mental health disorder do not reveal anything about their illness to others in fear that people will treat them differently. These students want to appear “normal” in relation to their peers, so they struggle internally and often end up feeling isolated and alone. School can be unbearable for those struggling with disorders like social anxiety and depression, and hearing others students make light of their situations certainly does not help.

Similarly, in fear of being negatively stigmatized for having a mental illness, students affected with these health issues generally do not inform teachers about their condition, again

making life at school even more difficult. While it is ultimately the personal decision of each individual student to determine how much information he or she wants to share about his or her illness with others, it could be helpful for teachers to be even somewhat aware; this would allow for teachers to be more sensitive and understanding towards the student. For example, if a student suffers from social anxiety and a teacher is aware of his or her condition, the teacher may be more understanding in regard to a student’s ability to speak out loud in class or perform oral assignments.

With mental illness so prevalent in society, the attitude towards mental health needs to change, especially within the school setting. In order for this shift of attitude to occur, people must become better informed. Mental health should be discussed in a serious, informative manner in a class setting. Students need to understand the different disorders and how they may affect them or their peers. With proper information comes understanding, and only with understanding can the attitude regarding mental health change.

All students would benefit from time in health classes devoted to mental health education, just as the consequences of drug use are taught and suicide is discussed with the purpose of prevention and raising awareness.

Providing students with more knowledge about mental health disorders may not only stop some of the callous comments about these illnesses, but may even help students who are suffering and who did not know where to turn for help, so they no longer feel isolated and alone.

For those students officially diagnosed with such mental health disorders, there are resources available within the school through the Child Study Team to provide helpful accommodations through a 504 Plan or Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

Additionally, school guidance counselors, nurses and Mrs. Jen DiStefano, East’s Student Assistance Counselor, can confidentially assist students who feel they need help with these mental health issues, whether officially diag-

nosed or not.

In addition to educating students, teachers should be properly informed about various mental health issues and the effects that these illnesses have on students within the classroom. This will allow teachers to have a helpful understanding to better accommodate these students. Knowledgeable teachers can even play an important role in the process of identifying students with potential mental health issues and directing them to the proper resources within the school.

Just as students who are physically handicapped or who struggle with other physical aliments seek awareness, understanding and acceptance of their struggles, so do students suffering with mental health issues.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health…

• About 8 percent of 13- to 18-yearolds suffer from an anxiety disorder— such as general anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder or social anxiety disorder—but only 18 percent of these teens receive mental health treatment.

• At least half of all cases of bipolar disorder emerge before age 25.

• 3.3% of 13- to 18-year-olds have experienced a seriouslydebilitating depressive disorder.

January 2014

Cherry Hill High School East 1750 Kresson Road Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 Phone: (856) 424-2222, ext.

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Editors-in-Chief: Kayla Schorr, Kaylin Magosin, Rachel Cohen

News/Features Editors Meghna Kothari Haley Schultz Jenna Wilson

Opinions Editors Keshav Amaro Alex Grayson Gilana Levavi

Photo Editors Andi Leff Jordan Stein Ali Wooten

Sports Editors Jacob Borowsky Nick Ciocco Marlee Zeitz

Entertainment Editors Abby Hoffman Dani Roth

Video Editor Eric Thompson

Community Editors Allie Grossman Julia Rothkoff Underground Editors Rebecca Cohen Bogdan Vitoc

Humor Editors Lanxi Li Molly Schultz

Katie Harris Jackie Tighue Casey Kuczykowski Amit Alboher Kerry and Doug Fizz Mike and Maggie Randall Mr. Bill Semus Mr. Killion The Magosin Family Diane Aronson Laura Turkienicz Love On a Hanger The Hersh Family Linda Ross The Meyers Family Zoey Abrams Emily Lichtenstadter Emma Hollenberg Karen Magosin Rodio (‘83) Jack and Anne Magosin

Radio Managers Brielle Clearfield Frankie Rossetti Art Directors Rachel Pacitti Helena Sirken

Webmaster Maya Mintz Business Managers Abe Granoff David Linsky Adviser Mr. Greg Gagliardi

Eastside’s Staffer of the Month November: Kaitlyn Boyle (‘17) December: Grace Shen (‘16)

Contact the Board: To contact a member of the Eastside Editorial Board via email, type the person’s first name followed by a period, then his or her last name followed by “@eastside-online. org,” ie: keshav. amaro@eastside-online.org.

(Note: There is a dash between “eastside” and “online”)

January 2014

COMICS EASTSIDE

The Real Santa Clause by Rachel Pacitti (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director

Snow Days by Helena Sirken (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director

It’s Hot and It’s Cold by Haley Schultz (‘14)/ Eastside News/Features Editor

The Struggle by Ben Abbaszadeh (‘15)/ For Eastside

Page 11

ENTERTAINMENT

What was the “top” entertainment story of 2013?

Page 12

EASTSIDE

■ By Dani Roth (‘15) Eastside Entertainment Editor

Jennifer Lawrence is the most humble, well-rounded, quirkiest actress in Hollywood.

Some may even consider her the best. Lawrence, also known as JLaw, is an Academy Award winner for her starring role in Silver Linings Playbook. Although Lawrence is known for her roles in films, such as Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games trilogy, she is loved for her outspoken personality and sense of humor. She even describes herself, jokingly, as “practically perfect.”

Between suffering from dress malfunctions to falling at the Oscars, Lawrence can always twist a situation in her favor. After falling on the way to accept her Academy Award,

■ By Rachel Cohen (‘15) Eastside Editor-in-Chief

During the “Glee” premiere, actor Cory Monteith captured audiences as he belted out “Can’t Fight This Feeling” in the locker room showers of William McKinley High School. Throughout his time on “Glee,” Monteith moved viewers from laughs to tears as he portrayed the goofy and sensitive Finn Hudson. Finn inspired others by remaining resilient in adverse situations. Monteith, too, dealt with struggles in his life; he had troubles with substance abuse since he was a teenager.

While on “Glee,” Monteith bat-

■ By Emelia Keller (‘17) For Eastside

Miley Cyrus was one of 2013’s biggest stars due to her new daring attitude and appearance. From ending her engagement with Liam Hemsworth to cutting off her infamous bun, Cyrus created a new name for herself in 2013.

Her new musical styling surpised fans once she released her single “We Can’t Stop” in June.

When Cyrus performed her hit at the VMA’s alongside Robin Thicke in August, she popularized the dance move known as “twerking.”

Her new transformation inspired her new album, Bangerz, which has a pop sound, primarily, with influ-

January 2014

she told the press, “Anybody who makes fun of me [for falling], I’m just gonna go, ‘Yeah, and then I got touched by Hugh Jackman.’”

Ever since this incident, girls across the globe look up to her as a role model. Most girls find Lawrence as a relatable celebrity, whether she is talking about her “boring social life” or getting star-struck.

Lawrence, like any young actress, struggles with the expectations of Hollywood, yet refuses to change her appearance, which is the main reason for girls of all ages idolizing her.

Lawrence is one of the most celebrated actresses of 2013 and will continue to inspire fans with her frank personality and her countless leading roles in films expected to premiere in 2014.

■ By Rebecca Cohen (‘15)

tled with substance abuse and decided to enter a rehab facility in March 2013. In April, it was reported that Monteith finished his treatment.

However, on July 13, 2013, Monteith was found dead in his hotel room in Vancouver, Canada. It was later found that he died from a toxic combination of alcohol and heroin. His sudden death came as a shock to many, all of whom were so greatly touched by Monteith.

His death was one of the biggest tragedies in the 2013 entertainment world and he will truly be missed.

■ By Kaylin Magosin (‘14)

ences from hip-hop and country. It debuted number one on the US Billboard 200, with 270,000 copies sold in its first week. Grabbing the attention of teenagers everywhere, Cyrus will certainly continue to thrive in the e n terainment world i n 2014.

Eastside Underground Editor

Ted Mosby from “How I Met Your Mother” has recounted the same story to his teenage daughter and son for over nine years now—the story of how he met their mother. This tale somehow includes every event and every girl that Ted has encountered in his life since college. After a long time coming, on Monday, May 13, 2013, the mother was finally revealed at the end of the season eight finale.

Twenty-eight-year-old Cristin Milioti (‘03), former East student, was shown in the last seconds of the episode as she was purchasing a train ticket to arrive at Barney (Neil Patrick Harris) and Robin (Cobie Smulders)’s wedding.

Milioti’s dress and luggage fit the criteria of Ted’s perfect wife,

Eastside Editor-in-Chief

It’s hard to find wholesome, quality entertainment today, especially in the realm of reality TV. A&E’s “Duck Dynasty,” though, has caught the attention of millions. The Season 4 premiere in August drew 11.8 million viewers, making it cable’s most watched non-fiction telecast.

Perhaps what makes the show so appealing is its down-to-earth cast. Yes, although the Robertson clan’s business, Duck Commander, has made the family millions, they remain true to their values.

Unlike other reality shows that only chronicle the lives of their characters without ultimate purpose besides entertainment, “Duck

■ By Aaron Molotsky (‘15) Eastside Staff

Millions of passionate fans.

Ten Primetime Emmy Awards.

One of the best shows of all time.

This is none other than AMC’s, “Breaking Bad.” Beginning as a high school chemistry teacher, Walter White (Bryan Cranston) was diagnosed with an inoperable form of lung cancer. With no means to provide financial stability for his family, Walter resorts to a life of crime. Walter partners with Jesse (Aaron Paul), a student of

hence the obvious assumption that she was the mother. Fans went crazy with this overdue information finally divulged, and the common consensus was that they loved her.

Continuing into season nine, the current season, Milioti makes short appearances in select episodes as the characters meet her, one by one. The uncovering of Ted’s future wife was the greatest TV moment of 2013 by far. The build-up of Milioti’s introduction made the actual event that much better, and her quirk and charm prove that she will suit the role of Mosby’s wife perfectly.

Dynasty” ends each episode with a lesson they learned which they want their viewers to learn, too.

Episodes contain plots that relate to everyone. For example, one can see the elementary-school-aged granddaughters learn to fish with their papaw, or see 16-year-old Sadie learn to drive. Every episode shows Miss Kay either cooking a meal or talking about the next meal she is going to cook. Hey, we can’t forget about old Uncle Si doing something crazy. Viewers can’t miss the middle-aged, bearded men hunting or concocting schemes through their funny antics instead of building duck calls in the warehouse.

Maybe we all don’t live in the southernwoods of Louisiana or sport full beards and camouflage daily, but all Americans can relate to the family experiences that the Robertsons provide.

his, and begins to cook crystal meth. As a newfound criminal, Walter produces, sells and distributes meth to a host of people.

Since its inception on January 20, 2008, “Breaking Bad” has garnered countless numbers of praise. According to Metacritic, both users and critics have rated “Breaking Bad” in the top five shows of all time. This show has set high expectations for any other TV show and all successors to follow.

■ By Nick Ciocco (‘14) Eastside Sports Editor

The biggest album released in 2013 was Jay-Z’s twelfth studio album entitled Magna Carta Holy Grail, stylized as Magna Carta… Holy Grail. The album was greatly anticipated in 2013 because of the huge success that Jay-Z experienced with his previous album, Watch The Throne, from 2011, in which he collaborated with fellow rapper Kanye West.

When Magna Carta… Holy Grail dropped, it was an instant success. On the day of its release in the United States ( J u l y 4, 2013), the album was certified platinum.

It also debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, selling 528,000 copies in its first week on iTunes and in stands.

The most popular songs on the

January 2014

album include “Holy Grail,” featuring Justin Timberlake, “Picasso Baby” and “Tom Ford.” Another well-liked track is “Part II (On The Run)” featuring Jay-Z’s wife Beyoncé Knowles, which is a sequel to their 2002 collaboration “03 Bonnie & Clyde.”

Though Magna Carta… Holy Grail received mixed reviews from critics nationwide, the album truly showed that the forty-threeyear-old Jay-Z still knows how to command America’s attention in terms of music and that he does not plan on stopping anytime soon.

Eastside Editors’ Top Picks for 2013 Albums:

1. Beyonce, Beyonce 2. Save Rock and Roll, Fall Out Boy 3. AM, Arctic Monkeys 4. Nothing Was the Same, Drake 5. Pure Heroine, Lorde

Movies:

1. American Hustle

2. Catching Fire

3. Frozen

4. The Butler

5. Despicable Me 2 TV Shows: 1. Breaking Bad 2. Orange is the New Black 3. The Voice 4. Awkward.

5. American Horror Story

■ By Meghna Kothari (‘15) Eastside News/Features Editor

One Direction serves as the boy band of this generation to cause girls everywhere to go into a frenzy. As its third album, Midnight Memories, became the fastest selling album of 2013. The band has had a very successful year with the release of its movie and fragrance, all while finishing up its World Tour and preparing for its 2014 Stadium Tour.

Different from their usual pop music, Midnight Memories provides an indie, alternative vibe with even a bit of an ‘80s music feel. The band still has some songs that go back to its pop style similar to that of its previous albums, such as “Little Black Dress” and “Best Song

Ever,” but it also includes exultant rock, as heard in “Diana.”

The eighteen-track album shows the band’s growth through its new music by including tracks with sentimental meaning, such as “Don’t Forget Where You Belong,” which discusses the band’s promise to stay humble despite its rising fame in the world.

The second single of the album, “Story Of My Life,” is considered the most striking song on the album with its gentle acoustic folk sound.

A perfect balance of ‘80s pop songs and ebullient rock, Midnight Memories proves to be one of the most enjoyed and well-respected albums for the young adult demographic in 2013.

EASTSIDE

Page 13

■ By Zach Wohl (‘15) For Eastside

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire was one of the hottest movies of 2013. Aside from small improvements upon its predecessor, Catching Fire has three components that contribute to its critically and commercially successful blockbuster sequel Jennifer Lawrence is currently one of the biggest actresses in Hollywood, and after winning an Oscar in February, she continues to captivate viewers in this sequel.

Fans of Lawrence regard her as

■ By Allie Grossman (‘16) Eastside Community Editor

Capturing the attention of people of all ages, Despicable Me 2 became a sensation inside and outside of theaters this year. Directors Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud braced fans for more minion madness. Super-villain Gru (Steve Carell) returned in this comedy adventure, along with his three adopted daughters, M a r g o (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier) and Agnes (Elsie Fisher).

New characters were presented and the movie took on unpre-

a humble actor who brings sincerity to Hollywood, allowing her to inspire young viewers through her character, Katniss Everdeen.

Critics and peers alike have all agreed that the second book in the trilogy, Catching Fire, is the best of them all. The new twists, characters and locations exceed the expectations of its predecessors; it takes readers and audiences on a nail-biting adventure through the life of Katniss Everdeen following her victory in the Hunger Games.

Catching Fire brings mixed tones, similar to the action-packed Marvel movies with the grimy, borderline depressing feel of the new Batman movies. With a political rebellion on the rise acting as a backdrop, the sequel delivers both action and a very apparent message about authority.

dictable twists and turns, leaving viewers laughing out loud.

The minions, also known as the adorable yellow creatures, have become more than movie characters. Over the past few months, teens everywhere have become crazed by the new minion fad.

The minions sparked ideas for Halloween costumes, stuffed animals, interactive toys, iPhone cases and more.

R e leased in theaters on July 3, Despicable Me 2 can be found o n Video OnDemand and in local stores for purchase.

Be sure not to miss this actionpacked, laugh-out-loud comedy.

Five memorable events that happened in 2013:

1. Boston Marathon 2. Government Shutdown 3. The VMA’s 4. Typhoon Haiyan 5. Pope Francis’ Election Movie and Television titles and the Catching Fire, Duck Dynasty and Despicable Me 2 Minions art by Helena Sirken (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director Albums and People titles and One Direction, Breaking Bad, Farewell to Finn, How I Met Your Mother, Holy Grail and Jennifer Lawrence art by Rachel Pacitti (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director

ENTERTAINMENT

Page 14

EASTSIDE

January 2014

More “top” entertainment headlines of 2013 ■ By Julia Rothkoff (‘16) Eastside Community Editor

A popular craze throughout 2013 was Rainbow Loom, a kit that enables people to create bracelets, rings, necklaces and even handbags out of latex-free rubber bands. The kit contains a toy loom, various colors of rubber bands and a hook to create the jewelry.

Rainbow Loom's creator, Cheong Choon Ng, is a Malaysian immigrant with a background in mechanical engineering and was previously employed by Nissan as a crash test engineer before Rainbow Loom became popular.

The toy was accidentally invented in

2010. Ng was simply trying to impress his younger daughters by combining a makeshift loom and small push pins to meld the tiny colored bands together to make fun, unique bracelets.

Rainbow Loom became popular amongst the youth during the summer of 2013.

Ng told The Wall Street Journal in September that his invention has become so popular that they have sold over 3.5 million kits of Rainbow Loom thus far.

The starter kit of Rainbow Loom retails for $16.99 and is now carried in many arts and crafts stores, such as Michael's and Learning Express Toys, and will remain a popular toy for months to come.

Sandie Paradiso, a Senior Buyer and Product Developer at Learning Express Toys told HTE Kids’ News, “Raibow looms are openended, gender-neutral, and something that all children, all ages and all skill levels can easily do.”

Rainbow Loom

■ By Jenna Wilson (‘15) Eastside News/Features Editor

“I play in a band, I write songs, I sing, you know, perform on Adam Levine’s head shot. stage. I’m just living the dream,” Adam Levine said in an interview with GQ.

■ By Abby Hoffman (‘14) Eastside Entertainment Editor

In August of 2013, The Oxford English Dictionary, also known as “the world’s most trusted dictionary,” published the term “selfie” as an accurate English word with a corresponding definition—”a photograph that one has taken of oneself, typically one taken with a smartphone or webcam and uploaded to a social media website.”

Since the word’s creation in an Australian chat room on September 13, 2002, “selfies” have taken over social media websites by storm. They can be found in the form of Facebook profile pictures, Twitter defaults and Instagram

2013 was a year dominated by one man: Adam Noah Levine. It was a year in which the Maroon 5 frontman conquered all mediums: television, music and movies—all while managing to steal the hearts of girls everywhere. In between promoting Overexposed, Maroon 5’s fourth studio record, Levine fronted two tours, The Overexposed Tour and the Honda Civic Tour, where the band shared the stage with Kelly Clarkson.

Throughout 2013, Levine watched as single after single from Maroon 5’s new record reached number one. He lived in the public eye—flirting with the camera, sitting in a big red swivel chair on NBC’s

posts. On Instagram alone, the use of #selfie has around 61 million photographs and counting.

Therefore, it is no wonder why Oxford determined that “selfie” would be the ultimate word for the year 2013.

“Language research conducted by Oxford Dictionaries editors reveals that the frequency of the word selfie in the English language has increased by 17,000% since this time last year,” clarified Oxford in defense of its bold choice.

So, in order to celebrate “selfies’” rise to stardom, grab your nearest friend, fix your mouth into the shape of duck lips, and snap a shot on your smartphone.

Don't forget the filter!

“The selfie is about continuously rewriting yourself and presenting yourself in the best way,” said Dr. Mariann Hardey, a lecturer in marketing at Durham University who specializes in digital social networks.

■ By Kayla Schorr (‘14) Eastside Editor-in-Chief

Fun fact: Vine’s logo connects the “V” and “I” in its name in the same way a vine loops and wraps itself around a tree. Even cooler, if you turn the Vine logo upside down, it displays the number of seconds your mini-video can be-”6.”

Vine app logo ■ By Jacob Borowsky (‘16) Eastside Sports Editor

Virginia-based rapper Pusha T, famous for his collaborations with rapper No Malice as the rap-duo Clipse, released his debut album My Name is My Name in October 2013. The lead single, “Numbers on the Boards,” was met with acclaim from all over the rap scene as one of the top songs released in 2013.

Produced by Don Cannon, the instrumental features a looping sample from the song “Pots ‘n’ Pans” by Anthony King and John Mattheus, and sparse vocal sampling of the beginning

Like any other fad in the fashion, music or technology worlds, social media evolves every year. Each new application or website adds something new to the social media experience, whether it be adding more friends, editing photography, sending videos and the like. Vine, released in January of 2013, has gotten increasingly popular every day.

Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are all similar in that their users predominantly view their friends’ posts. While many Vine users do the same, they conversely follow other accounts that are displayed in the

of “Shake Your Booty” by Bunny Sigler.

Pusha makes the track with his intense flow of lyrics and distinct voice, which, paired together, work harmoniously atop the minimalistic beat.

Pusha rhymes confidently, referencing each previous line as he goes.

“Givenchy fittin’ like it’s gym clothes/ We really gymstars, I’m like D. Rose/ No D-league, I’m like this close/ ‘88 Jordan, leaping from the free throw.” Pusha forcefully claims.

While the song spans only a little over two-and-a-half minutes, it is hard not to press replay after hearing hip-hop’s best song of 2013, “Numbers on the Boards.”

hit, “The Voice,” while mentoring singers and furthering his “bromance” with country-crooner Blake Shelton. In the realm of television, Levine also guest starred on “American Horror Story: Asylum,” playing an unsuspecting lover who wanders into a haunted asylum, never to come out.

Additionally, Levine reached into the movie industry when cast in the upcoming film, Can a Song Save Your Life, alongside Keira Knightly.

Most recently, he made headlines as he announced his engagement to Victoria’s Secret model Behati Prinsloo.

But, even though he’s taken, Levine was (rightfully) titled as People Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive for 2013. My bet is that the People Magazine editors did not have a hard time chosing this one.

Noah Hinrichs (‘14) poses for a “selfie”.

“Popular Now” or other main categories.

Vines become popular with more views, and when revined by friends (similar to a retweet), the vine receives even more viewership and publicity.

We have all come to know and love “doing it for the vine,” as the kids say these days. This app tipped this far in popularity because its users relate to posts.

People follow people like themselves and not just celebrities or musicians. Because of growing popularity of their posts, many Vine users have established fandom for Alphcat, Princess Lauren, Jerome Jarre and many others. Vine successfully became a cosmopolitan application for video sharing in 2013.

“So it’s only one king that can stand on this mound/ King push, kingpin, overlord/ Coast guard come a hundred goin’ overboard/ I got money with the best of ‘em” - Lyrics from the hit, “Numbers on the Boards.”

My Name is My Name album cover from Pusha T. Rainbow Loom and Adam Levine by Rachel Pacitti (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director Vine art by Helena Sirken (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director

ENTERTAINMENT

January 2014

New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas ■ By Emelia Keller (‘17) For Eastside

People all over the world rang in 2014 in extravagant ways, and as America’s top entertainment capitol, Las Vegas planned to go over the top for all visitors and residents involved.

This past New Year’s Eve, Las Vegas hosted a weeklong celebratio that started on December 27 with an opening performance by Bruno Mars and ended on the morning of January 1 with stunning fireworks.

To make this night even more spectacular, there were live performances by A-list performers, such as Maroon 5, Britney Spears and Imagine Dragons.

Las Vegas hosted an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration to ring in a fresh year with hundred of thousands of tourists and residents.

In addition, Las Vegas featured a panoramic fire-

work display with almost one hundred thousand different fireworks and arranged numerous concerts and performances.

As the iconic boulevard hosted different events each night, it was impossible for partygoers to not have a festive time.

Successful and full of never-ending entertainment, Las Vegas started planning its New Year’s Eve celebrations months in advance. Nightclub and casino owners prepared for the highly anticipated bash as early as in September.

Between the star-studded performances and the impressive nightclub parties, Las Vegas outdoes itself every year and continues to exceed expectations. New Year’s Eve is the ideal time to make new memories to start off the year, and Las Vegas concluded the weeklong event with enough memories to last until the night before 2015.

EASTSIDE

New Year’s Eve, a night of final surprises in Los Angeles

■ By Emma Silverstone (‘15)

For Eastside

New Year’s Eve continues to be one of the most popular televised events of the year, especially in the city of Los Angeles.

In Los Angeles, there were celebrations in different areas. With A-list venues, top DJs and the trendiest parties, people had an endless amount of celebration options. One annual parade is the Rose Parade, which honors Korean War veterans. Celebrations also took place at Disneyland for a family environment to gaze at fireworks.

While Ryan Seacrest and Jenny McCarthy hosted New Year’s Rockin’ Eve in New York City, Fergie hosted its west coast counterpart. The counterpart featured dozens of performers and entertained millions of its viewers.

Some performers from this year’s program included

the Goo Goo Dolls, ZEDD and Avril Lavigne.

Many clubs held themed parties on New Year’s Eve. The Nokia Theater and Staples Center hosted comedians to crack jokes and roast audience members.

This past year, comedians Katt Williams and Kevin Hart brought the laughs to audiences.

Universal CityWalk hosted an event with multiple bands and DJs. The event featured live music with a simulcast of the New York City ball drop and extravagant fireworks.

People who do not live on the west coast watched the celebrations on ABC, the same channel as “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” in New York City. The network switches back and forth between cities to show both performances.

The City of Angels rang in the New Year with many performers and long, extravagant parties.

Page 15

NYE in NYC

■ By Courtney Finnegan (‘17)

For Eastside

New Year’s Eve is a night for people to come together to reflect on the past year and celebrate the experiences they will have in the upcoming year.

New York City always brings this celebration to another level. For one hundred years, over one million people have gathered in Times Square and over a billion people each year watch the famous ball dropping.

As early as 3 p.m., Times Square overflows with people between 6th Avenue and 59th Street.

The Waterford crystal ball, located on the roof of One Times Square, rises at 6 p.m. and begins to make its famous descent at precisely 11:59 p.m.

Once it reaches the bottom at the stroke of midnight, fireworks decorate the sky. Toshiba’s Times Square billboard screen displays a timer of the countdown for the final ten seconds of the year.

Aside from the 11,875pound crystal ball dropping, there were many other exhilirating events that took place in Times Square this New Year’s Eve. The night consisted of confetti, balloons, fireworks and performances, including those by Jason Derulo, Fall Out Boy, Jennifer Hudson, Enrique Iglesias and Robin Thicke. The most iconic program of New Year’s Eve continues to be “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve,” co-hosted by Ryan Seacrest and Jenny McCarthy.

Seacrest said, “I am excited to work together to create new traditions and fun moments on the show that only live television can deliver.”

New Year’s Eve is a nationwide celebration. However, Times Square’s iconic events outshined all other others. It is guaranteed that if someone lives on the east coast, that person is watching the live Times Square show on ABC.

Art by Lucy He (‘15) Eastside Staff

Alum Eric Dash achieves musical success ■ By Kayla Schorr (‘14)

Eastside Editor-in-Chief

Composing, writing music and playing require many skills. One must possess myriad rhythmic and musical abilities in order to practice these talents. Doubtlessly, the capability of reading music is integral in the art of musicianship. Eric Friedman (’06), commonly known as Eric Dash in the entertainment world, however, never grasped this skill, yet succeeds in the music business regardless.

Dash initiated his music career at the early age of eight by casually rewriting songs with comedic lyrics. Just by mixing his own lyrical creativity into the works of Weird Al Yankovic, a passion sparked.

“I just got more and more interested in music and started playing guitar and piano by age thirteen,” he said.

After years of musical inspiration from Blink 182, Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton, Dash began his own live performances. At 15 years old, Dash played at the Theatre of the Living Arts

(TLA) in Philadelphia. At the time, this venue was not intended for large, standing-room-only concerts.

“I became involved in Coffee House, Mr. East and all kinds of other stuff in order to get my music out there,” Dash said.

While at East, Dash was a part of a band called Fields of Green. Dash played lead guitar and vocals along with Eugene Ko (’06) on bass, Jordan Berju (’06) on guitar, Carmen Cirignano (’06) on vocals and Mark Greenfield (’06) on drums.

At 16 years old, Dash’s father suffered from a severe stroke, which led to only more musical engrossment for Dash. Throughout his East experience, Dash collaborated with other passionate musicians; however, he gradually immersed himself into more solo work.

Though Dash did not take any music classes throughout high school, he tried to learn more about his affinity during college at the University of Maryland. After years of writing music, playing it and taking music theory classes, Dash still did not find reading music necessary.

“When I write a song, I just go with the vibe

of that song,” Dash said in regards to explaining his music notation methods in lieu of standard composition. “Sometimes, I come up with random note sequences and I remember them.”

After opening for Eve 6 in college and doing multiple solo performances, Dash noticed that his crowd was not growing as much as he had hoped. Consequently, he contacted Jack Joseph Puig, who had been the producer of No Doubt and John Mayer. In hopes to go further with his music, Dash emailed Puig at Ocean Way Studios in Hollywood with a video of him singing and playing his song “One Plus One.” Puig loved Dash’s video, and Dash has been working with him ever since.

Ever since Dash’s initiation in the music business, he has opened for Nelly and Big Time Rush.

His most popular song, “One More Love Song,” now has about 600,000 views on YouTube. Dash anticipates the soon release of more of his work.

Even though his career started out as a way to make people laugh, Dash has definitely been prospering in the music world, even for someone who still cannot read music.

UNDERGROUND

Page 16

EASTSIDE

January 2014

Vinyl is once again the preferred format for music ■ By Liza Rothkoff (‘16) Eastside Staff

Since the mid-2000s, there has been a renewed interest in vinyl records. Many avid music listeners no longer consider CDs the optimal sound medium for music.

When the compact disc became available to the general public in 1982, vinyl was put on the backburner. Due to the CD’s massive storage space that allowed it to hold up to 80 minutes of music, it was widely used by musicians as the prime way to release their music.

More recently, digital download has become the preferred format for both the modern music listener and the artist. For the artist, digital gives him or her the ease of getting music to the masses at the click of a button. For the listener, digital lets him or her get the instant gratification of buying a song and having it right away.

But still, there is something missing from the CD and digital download formats. Although the newer digital formats make music more accessible, they still do not provide the listener with the optimal method to fully

appreciate the musician’s work.

Despite the care required to put the record on the turntable to

not get it scratched, the listening experience is worth it. When the needle touches the record, warmth projects through the speaker that is not apparent while listening to digital formats of music.

Because vinyl is taken from the original analog recordings of a record, the complete sound wave is reflected on the groove of the vinyl.

Digital formats lose some of the original sound because the digital recordings take only snapshots of the analog recording, which does not capture the complete sound wave.

The loss of sound during the digital process is likely the reason that many listeners and artists are going back to vinyl.

Contemporary artists like Daft Punk, Vampire Weekend and Queens of the Stone Age top the list for the most units of vinyl sold in 2013. According to Nielsen SoundScan, an information and sales tracking system, vinyl record sales are now up

by 33.5 percent from 2012 and CD sales decreased 14.5 percent.

Although vinyl captures more sound than digital, there is still a compromise. Many artists are offering a free digital download with the vinyl record that is bought. Some bands, such as Foo Fighters, cut the digital download from the analog format so that the listener can still get some of the satisfaction of listening to vinyl instantaneously.

Vinyl is also sought after more than any other music medium. Different colors and limited pressings of a certain release can make a record worth more than a thousand dollars.

Record Store Day, which occurs on the third Saturday of April, has also been a contributing factor to the spike of vinyl sales. The celebratory day started in 2008 and celebrates thousands of independent record stores by releasing special and rare records in limited quantities. Artists from Lady Gaga to Rush have released new singles and rarities on vinyl for Record Store Day. Recently, record players have gotten easier to find. Big name retailers such as Urban Outfitters and Brookstone sell turntables that can range from eighty to a thousand dollars depending on the sound quality.

Vinyl may be making a comeback after all. The sales are expected to keep on rising in 2014 due to the ever-growing trendiness of retro gear characteristic of the 21st century youth.

Photo of record player by Andi Leff (‘14)/ Eastside Photo Editor

Sabo Skirt brings trendy style from Australia ■ By Brielle Clearfield (‘15)

Eastside Radio Manager

First founded on May 21, 2010, Sabo Skirt, a Brisbane, Australia based women’s clothing company, has been leading a growing clothing movement in the United States. Twentyyear-old best friends and co-founders Thessy Kouzoukas and Yiota Karalouka started their clothing line through Instagram in 2010 after finding inspiration in a successful Instagram-run store called Fashion Toast.

The Brisbane company has since made a website to further sell its merchandise: saboskirt.com.

Sabo Skirt’s clothing line sports unique floral designs and other patterns. The clothing ranges from winter to summer wear and they are known for their highquality skirts and dresses.

Sabo Skirt also produces many other items such as tops, bottoms, jewelry, accessories and even swimwear. Sabo Skirt strives to be a company whose styles compare to those of Urban Outfitters, Nasty Gal and Topshop.

Kouzoukas and Karalouka both aspire to make their business environmentally conscious through their process and products.

The products they sell are trendy and especially appealing to someone on a budget. The material has an ultra-soft feel that appeals to customers who are looking for something cute and comfortable. The site has a flat shipping rate of

ten dollars on all orders no matter where they are being sent. The shipments are notably fast, especially considering they are being shipped from Australia.

The Sabo Skirt’s Instagram account peaked this past month, hitting 880,000 followers. In less than three years, the company has become an internationally recognized online shop, whose Instagram is among the top 100 users along with Oprah, Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus. Not only do Kouzoukas and Karalouka model their own clothes for their Instagram, but

they also have famous Australian models and actress, Caitlyn Paterson, model for the company. In addition, the company makes sure not to edit its pictures to maintain authenticity.

Kouzoukas and Karalouka came up with the term “Sabo” as an abbreviation for the word “sabotage.”

Since this is a word that is constantly used between the two best friends, they decided that this would be a fun and catchy store name that had a personal meaning behind it.

The girls accredit their online store’s success to the

unique products and userfriendly experience. Kouzoukas and Karalouka plan on continuing to promote and enlarge their company’s fan-base over the upcoming years.

“With hundreds of international online stores opening up every week, it is important to be able to differentiate yourself from the rest of the pack,” Kouzoukas stated in an interview with Electrify Mag. “We already work with the most loving, loyal, and hard working people, and we hope to continue this in the future.”

Not only does the web-

Instagram-started clothing company, Sabo Skirt, designs fashionable clothing.

site provide fabulous clothing, but also it provides outfit insight to customers via social media. Through Sabo Skirt’s blog, Kouzoukas and Karalouka are able to give their customers outfit ideas by modeling their merchandise. Sabo Skirt surfaces on many social media sites such as Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, Pinterest, Blogspot, Facebook, Lookbook and more.

With its trendy clothes and innovative use of social media, Sabo Skirt is a clothing line that will surely make its way into more and more closets.

Courtesy of saboskirt.com

UNDERGROUND

January 2014

EASTSIDE

Page 17

Perplexus: the a-maze-ing spherical puzzle ■ By Kayla Schorr (‘14)

Eastside Editor in Cheif

There are many puzzles and logic games that can help boost one’s mental stamina and stimulate the thinking processes. These mental challenges can come in two forms: tasks such as crossword puzzles, Sudoku and logic puzzles that try mental aptitude on paper, and Rubik’s cubes, Jigsaw puzzles and the like that assess problem-solving with physical objects. The Perplexus, a spherical fusion of a puzzle and maze, fits into the physical mind-boggling device category.

The Perplexus’ creators classify their craft as a “ball-in-a-maze” puzzle. Teacher and magician Michael McGinnis and members of the KID Group (the makers of Bop-It, Hyperdash and similar toys) collaborated on the idea for this labyrinth game.

Essentially, the Perplexus is an extremely atypical maze. The objective of the puzzle is to navigate a metal ball through multiple levels of a spherical board. To do so, the player must flip, twist, turn and spin the device according to which direction the ball must go. However, there are many obstacles. The player can encounter spirals, thin rails

and awkward drops that can easily which is why the game is spherical. throw the ball off course if the The player must then rotate sphere is not maneuthe sphere in order to covered properly. operate with gravity.

In a This process retypical peats throughround of out the entire Perplexbrainteaser. us, the During the player prelimistarts nary leva t els, the spot rails are numdoubleb e r sided, one. w h i c h T h e makes player losing almust most imturn the possible sphere at these in a clear points. The direction in levels gradorder to apually become proach the more difficult, as s e c o n d one may have to enlevel. Howdure one-sided rails, ever, the then flips and other second level hindrances.

Dependcould be presenting on the model of the ed at a Perplexus different (Rookie, Kayla Schorr (‘14)/ Eastside Editor-in-Chief angle or Original, position The perplexus maze reinvents puzzels.

Epic and than the Twist), first, there are

different amounts of levels one must conquer in order to “win.”

Another great feature of this “toy” is its three starting points. If the ball falls off of the course, which players come to know as the inevitable result of the Perplexus hobby, then the player can start the puzzle again at a higher level in order to avoid going through the same levels repeatedly. For example, on the Perplexus Original, one can start on level one, twenty-seven or fifty-nine.

This way, if the player loses at level thirty-four, he or she can return to level twenty-seven instead of the beginning. Many users abuse this feature and start at a higher level before completing its predecessors; however, this should not be done in order to gain the full Perplexus experience.

This puzzle is not only entertaining, but it is also frustrating, confusing and, nevertheless, extremely addicting. Since the game is not sold at just any toy store and is not advertised profusely, it has not reached the interest of enough consumers. Perplexus is sold at superstores; however, the supply is scarce.

This three-dimensional mind assessment deserves more acclaim. It is truly unlike any other puzzle or maze in the industry.

Crocs are finally making a comeback? Crikey!

■ By Nick Ciocco (‘14)

Eastside Sports Editor

We all had a pair of Crocs: the florescent foam “shoes” that looked like they should have been worn by an elderly woman working in her garden.

Crocs were one of those childhood fads or phases that everyone went through at some point, specifically during the late elementary school and early middle school years. It was similar to the tie-dye phase and the long hair phase. But this childhood fad did not just go away.

Crocs are attempting to make a comeback. The company has released eight different collections in women’s shoes and nine collections for men. In addition to the Crocs collections, Crocs has

also made clogs, boots, flats, Mary Jane’s, heels, wedges, shoes, sneakers and even golf shoes. The most interesting part of it all is that every shoe still keeps its signature foam sole.

It seems like now there is a Croc for everything. There is the classic Croc for the summer, which is very open and allows air flow through the shoe. There are outdoorsy working boots, furry Croc boots similar to Uggs and even tall leather boots for women. There are Croc wedges and flats for the ladies to wear in the early spring. There are Crocs for doctors that even can be combined with matching Croc scrubs. Golfers can still stay comfortable in foamy Croc golf shoes.

Crocs also makes college team Crocs so buyers will

be able to represent their schools while wearing the foamy shoe.

Today, being cool is all about being “hipster” or “artsy,” so throwback clothing has become wildly popular.

Crocs would be the ultimate throwback with a new twist.

The classic Croc should be consid-

ered “swag.” Now, there are just so many Croc options, it is overwhelming.

Crocs are cool.

From now on, if someone is wearing Crocs, they should be labeled as cool, as opposed to the nerdy connotation these shoes have had attatched to them for years. New styles of Crocs will, hopefully, revolutionize the brand that originated as a shoe to slip on to

walk the dog at five in the morning. Crocs will no longer be considered a soial disgrace, but now a “trendy” shoe due to the plethora of new styles.

These new options do not only provide comfort and style for Croc-lovers.

With the release of many new shoe styles, Crocs also give buyers more of an option when showing off their bright, rubber shoes than just the common original design. Wearing Crocs is now even more fun with the variation of styles available. Crocs fans can now own a variety of styles and colors to sport every day of the week, further expressing their love for the famous rubber shoe.

Art by Haley Schultz (‘14)/ Eastside News/Features Editor

EarthBound video game deserves more recognition ■ By Lanxi Li (‘16) Eastside Humor Editor

In the 1990s, video games were developing rapidly. Simple, pixelated sprites gave way to 3D graphics. First-person shooter became a genre. Final Fantasy dominated role-playing video games (RPGs).

And, in 1995, EarthBound announced its release in North America with scratch-and-sniff stickers and the slogan, “This Game Stinks.”

No wonder its sales figures bombed.

The stickers and slogan were part of EarthBound’s offbeat advertising campaign, and the game itself was equally weird. At a time when serious fantasy and action RPGs were the norm, EarthBound introduced a colorful, childlike universe full of quirky humor and parody-esque depictions of American life—all framed in the screen of the handheld SNES console (Super Nintendo Entertainment System).

In the game, you play as a boy named Ness on a quest to defeat a universal evil. Three friends join

you along the way, been an excellent and throughout the RPG,” wrote one critic game you explore in a July 1995 issue of towns and fight enVideo Games and Enemies ranging from tertainment. “Sadly, strangely cute (like all Earthbound [sic] the ‘Lil UFOs and has to offer is a romp sentient CDs) to hiin a McDonald’s Playlariously weird (giant land.”

However, the few piles of barf, New Age players who liked the Retro Hippies, Insane Logo by Helena Sirken (‘15)/ game tended to really Cultists). If that’s not Eastside Art Director like it, and EarthBound lived on to enough, EarthBound also ends become a cult classic. Notable exup parodying America (which, in amples of true EarthBound dediNess’s world, is called “Eagleland”) cation include the expansive fan and more subtly, everything about website Starmen.net and multiple serious RPGs. One random, noncharity fundraisers that showcase playable character in the game livestreamed playthroughs of the says, “The hotel is located to the game. (The latest one, which was west. I’m sad ‘cause I only got this hosted by the website Fangamer short message.” from November 29 to December 1, While many critics laud these raised over $23,000 in donations). aspects of EarthBound today, in Fortunately, EarthBound has 1995 the game’s simple graphics had its chance on Western shores— and lighthearted tone clashed with twice. On July 18, 2013, it was rethe standard set by games like Fireleased for Nintendo’s Virtual nal Fantasy and caused some playConsole (a service in which users ers to shake their heads. can download games via Internet), “...with a little more violence allowing people to play it on the and some more menacing weapWii U. ons and creatures, this would have

Three days after its Wii U release, EarthBound jumped to #2 on Virtual Console’s “recent best sellers” list despite its 10-dollar price tag. One month later, it was ranked ninth on the North American all-time bestseller list for the WiiU eShop.

According to a Nintendo press release in August, “Only two eShop titles, New Super Luigi U and Pikmin 3, generated more consumer [spending] in the same time period since [its] launch.”

Compare this to the 140,000 copies the game sold during its first American release. For the first time, EarthBound has become a commercial success.

“It’s a tongue-in-cheek slap to all the serious JRPGs [Japanese roleplaying games] you’ve ever played, but it’s one that doesn’t sacrifice its own epic story arc or any of the genre’s best mechanics to do so,” wrote a critic for the magazine GamesMaster. “Out of nowhere, this has become the main reason to own a Wii U.” Fans, rejoice. And remember: this game really doesn’t stink.

UNDERGROUND

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EASTSIDE

January 2014

Learn Shakespeare quickly with Knighthorse Theater Co. ■ By Rebecca Cohen (‘15)

Eastside Underground Editor

You don’t need to be a Shakespeare expert to recognize the fact that Amy McLaughlin loves her job.

She and her husband, Tyrus, travel around the world to perform 90-minute adaptations of Shakespearean plays for audiences ranging from three-yearolds to 93-year-olds.

Their company, Knighthorse Theater Company, has one goal: to educate everyone about Shakespearean literature. The “starcrossed lovers” rewrite modern editions of Shakespeare’s plays and perform them in the form of one or two man shows, capturing the importance of the literature without distractions such as extravagant costumes, scenery, or extraneous cast members. Amy explained to an audience that “when [they] perform, [they] play all the parts,” exhibiting their expertise in this field of knowledge.

After her husband left for Navy duty in 2011, Amy said that she didn’t know if she could do the company by herself, but she “started with what she knows, and what [she] knows is that she loves Shakespeare.”

During the National High School Journalism Convention in Boston, MA, Amy performed an excerpt of her own Shakespearean creation entitled “Bound

By Love,” which includes an eclectic combination of love scenes from Shakespeare’s twenty-seventh sonnet, “Romeo and Juliet,” “Twelfth Night” and “As You Like It.” Amy acted out the famous balcony scene from “Romeo and Juliet” all by herself, clearly depicting both roles as Shakespeare wrote them, but with a modernized twist. Amy’s energy ran wild as she jumped around the room in excitement and belted her lines with passion, all while trying to hide an evident smile on her face.

Anyone who watched that performance would presume Amy to be a Shakespeare connoisseur, which she was on that day, but she said she “hated Shakespeare in high school. [She] got a D on ‘Othello’.” Amy has moved past the former hatred that is clearly shown through her confidence and pride exhibited in her acting.

Amy portrayed the balcony scene in a way that high school students could

relate to. She twisted the fifteenth century romance into a twenty-first century prom night with improvised side-commentary that characterized Romeo and Juliet as teens who could potentially be students at any high school. Her modern commentary was perfectly woven with direct quotes from the play so her audience could absorb the most from her act.

Amy achieved her goal on that day in Boston; that is, she taught a group of high school students more about Shakespeare than most English teachers have achieved to do. Her exuberance and love play a huge role in enriching her audience. Her personalized sparkle makes an interesting and enjoyable show for all.

Clearly, the Knighthorse Theater Company set out to perform, teach and love Shakespeare: three things which they have accomplished. The two do a fantastic job of enlightening others while doing what they love. Learning Shakespeare no longer has to be a tedious task assigned in English class, but instead, a show that enhances joy and incites interest in the topic.

Helena Sirken (‘15)/ Eastside Art Direcctor

The theater company performs Romeo and Juliet.

Classical instruments meet modern-day bands

lized a trumpet on its fourth studio album, Port of Morrow. The brass Eastside Community Editor trumpet on the track, “Fall of ’82,” Beethoven and Mozart likely is present during the bridge of the never thought the instruments they song. used in the 1700s Many people and 1800s would dream of playing still be used in guitar like Jimmy modern music.

Page of Led ZepLately, bands pelin and bass like of all genres, Lemmy from Motörfrom hard rock head. In the future, to blues to folk, maybe strivers will have been utilizdesire to become fluing instruments ent in the language that have been of classical instruaround for hunments instead of dreds of years. the slang of grungy The folk-rock guitars.

Modern genre has been instruments have known for using been used for so classical string long now that it is instruments in possible their time their songs. Folkis coming to an end rock band, Mumand classical inford and Sons, struments will beshowcases both come increasingly the viola and the more prominent as violin on its alartists experiment bums. The band’s with them in differ2012 studio alent genres of music. bum, Babel, feaBy using older tures the string instruments, musiinstruments cians are not only woven between bringing a new mandolins and sound to their alacoustic guitars. bums, but are also Indie rock proving their knowlgroup Arcade edge of music and Fire has been showing how to truusing the double ly use instruments bass and violins to their fullest powhile recordtential. A violin or ing its albums a double bass adds since the band’s a sound to modern first album remusic that guitars lease in 2003. and drums cannot Arcade Fire’s create. The music use of stringed becomes undeniably instruments is unique and incredHelena Sirken (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director ibly intriguing. so prominent in its songs that the A modern band rocks out with various classical instruments.

Composers such members bring as Mozart used all of along professionment with a crank on the end that in the song “On and On and On,” off these instruments for a reason: beal violinists who are not usually makes sounds similar to that of a his 2012 album release, Blundercause they sound good. As old music band members to play during live violin), accordion and organ during buss. The double bass serves as the develops, these sounds will become sets on tour. Most recently, on Arthe band’s sets. backbone of the song, with acoustic more commonly placed in modern cade Fire’s 2013 release, Reflektor, Not only do folk and alternative guitars layered over the strings. music, maybe revolutionizing the the band utilized horns on the title bands incorporate these outdated inIndie rock band The Shins utisounds people are so used to today.

■ By Julia Rothkoff (‘16)

track as well as a string section on the song, “It’s Never Over (Hey Orpheus).” One of the lead vocalists, Régine Chassagne regularly uses the hurdy-gurdy (a stringed instru-

struments into their modern tracks, but rock musicians have used string instruments in their recordings frequently, as well. Blues rock musician Jack White used a double bass

January 2014

EASTSIDE

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HUMOR

Page 20

EASTSIDE

January 2014

East reaches new heights to enforce Red Zones in bathrooms ■ By Danya Trommer (‘17)

For Eastside

If students enter the bathrooms in Cherry Hill East, or even walk through various parts of the school, they will most likely notice the large red construction paper signs that read, “RED ZONE.” This means students are no longer allowed to text parents or friends while in the bathroom. But how would one get caught while in the bathroom?

“We have metal detectors in the bathroom,” said Mr. Joe Kirsten, a teacher working to enforce Red Zones. “Sure, sometimes they go off when a student is wearing a belt, but they’re usually accurate. Campus police is dispatched to the bathroom when the detector goes off.”

“It was weird,” said Aidan Help (‘15), a student who set off a metal detector. “I was only taking off my belt when a police officer kicked down the door to my stall.

It kind of made me scared to continue with that po-

liceman leering at me. My phone wasn’t even on me.”

The policeman who answered the alarm refused to comment.

These situations are not always false alarms, however. Monica Taylor (‘14) was caught playing Angry Birds while sitting on a toilet. When asked why she was playing this app, she said, “It helps me do my business.”

Taylor was caught by a campus policewoman.

“She kicked down the door to my stall,” said Taylor. “How she knew I was on my phone, I will never know... maybe she heard the music from the game.

It’s really catchy.”

The policewoman confiscated Taylor’s phone and administered a Saturday detention.

Students have found a way to elude the Red Zone metal detector, though.

Many students are now purchasing iPhone 5Cs, which are made from plastic. In response, teachers have brainstormed new ways to

enforce the Red Zones in the bathrooms. In fact, they have been testing out some of these methods.

“We hired bathroom attendants,” said Mrs. Jane Loreli, another teacher working to enforce Red Zones.

“They hand out mints and everything, and even wear nice button-down shirts and slacks.”

The bathroom attendants search for protruding rectangles in students’ pockets, and they question the students if they suspect the rectangle to be a phone.

One student, Lindsey Shane (‘17), was patted down for a phone, though the rectangle in her pocket was just a wad of money.

“I was accepting a mint from her as I was going into the stall,” said Shane. “She seemed really nice. Things got weird when she reached into my back pocket and grabbed my money, though.

I thought she was trying to pickpocket me.”

Winona Burnham (‘81), the hired attendant, pro-

vided the following statement: “I thought it was a phone. Oops.”

Burnham refused to com-

ment further.

The bathroom attendants have yet to be successful at finding a phone. But, students say, they do provide good mints.

Teachers have yet to come up with an idea that has provided 100 percent accurate results, but they are still working on possible methods. “ W e ’ l l find one…I know it,” said Kirsten.

“It just may take some time.”

N e x t , Kirsten plans to require students to install small tracking devices on their phones. The appliances will be provided free Jordan Stein (‘14)/ Eastside Photo Editor Red Zone signs are now in every stall. from Robotics Club.

■ By Jordan Schmidt (‘14)

It’s typical these days for some drivers to ruin any moment’s tranquility by blasting inane rap music out their car windows.

However, Ludwig Wolfgang (‘14) is putting a new spin on the classic driver’s trope; instead of blasting rap or rock music, he plays classical music at high volumes whenever he drives around Cherry Hill.

“It’s what I listen to,” said Wolfgang. “I’d like the whole world to listen to it with me. I want to enlighten drivers who’ve never heard Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 in A Major, because they’d never hear it if it weren’t for me.”

Wolfgang drives his father’s truck, a Chevrolet model that no one at East has ever heard of, to school every day. He starts each day by pulling into the East parking lot and blasting a Mozart CD out of his nonexistent windows, to the utter disbelief of any passersby walking to the front entrance, or any bus driver desperately trying not to lose his or her day job.

“I’m used to it by now,” said security guard Mobert Benta. “If it were something scandalous like Eminem, then I’d have issues. But it’s Mozart. That’s actually pretty cool.”

Many East students have taken offense, for some reason, to Wolfgang’s radical displays of affection for his idols.

Butch Johnston (‘15) remarked, “It’s just not right.

Beethoven has nothing on my man Kanye.”

Bella Chambers (‘17), whose mother drives her to school each day, had a different opinion.

“While I like his style of music,” she said, “I’d appreciate it if he didn’t blast it at 7:15 in the morning. I mean, at least wait until after school.”

In response to Chambers, Wolfgang said, “Do you have any idea when I leave school? It’s 4:30! Nobody else is around to listen. It’s kinda tragic!”

He then shed a single tear, but managed to crack a smile once his ringtone, Beethoven’s Fifth, started playing very, very loudly.

Despite having naysayers, Wolfgang has gained

are for) to scare away the pigeons. The story of how Smyth began his involvement and dedication to being a bird deterrent is simple and quite interesting.

“As I stayed in a hotel in Boston, I saw these people.

They inspired me. They held these lovely flags with birds on them. I knew this was my future,” said Smyth.

If you as well see this occupation in your future, come out to the first meeting on January 30, 2014.

“My goal is to have five percent of the student body at the first meeting,” said Smyth. “But I’m taking small steps first. I really hope someone else will show up.”

Smyth anticipates that his club’s logo, a picture of a dramatically-lit flag, will attract new members.

Infamous student jams to classical music in parking lot Eastside Staff

Jordan Stein (‘14)/ Eastside Photo Editor

Wolfgang jams to his favorite classical tune.

a bit of a cult following at East.

“Every day when I drive in, there are these six or seven orchestra kids who wait outside the D-wing, and they start cheering when I come around the bend. I live for that kind of stuff,” said Wolfgang.

None of those kids could be reached for comment.

They were busy watching Wolfgang leave for a dentist appointment.

Wolfgang is very active in East’s Orchestra and East’s wrestling team, which is an incredibly rare combination thought practically improbable until this year.

“He’s a very special kid,” said Wolfgang’s wrestling coach, Mr. Frank Schumann. “He kept on talking to me about my last name during the first wrestling meet. He asked if I was related to someone named Robert.”

Generally, Wolfgang prefers the classics like Mozart and Beethoven, but he has a soft spot for Vivaldi. “And don’t tell anybody,” he whispered before leaving for his dentist appointment, “but I have an Elton John album in here, just in case.”

Student has high hopes for his groundbreaking new club ■ By Brielle Clearfield (‘15)

Eastside Radio Manager

After months of argumentative research and petitioning from Leopold Smyth (‘16), Dr. Moyer Schapman has finally approved the club East has been waiting for.

“Several scholars of East are hoping to get involved in this club,” said Schapman, “so I’m sure the first meeting will have a big turnout.”

The logic goes like this: many East students participate in a popular club called “Future Doctors of America.” Since many future-doctor scholars attend meetings for this club,

Schapman decided to allow the formation of other clubs based on popular occupations.

Smyth’s new club, “Future Bird Deterrents of America,” will hold its first meeting this month.

“My mom said that this club is going to draw attention from everywhere,” said Smyth. “I’m pretty sure this is because this is an extremely popular occupation, valued by many in the East community.”

Bird deterrents wave flags in front of a hotels to keep away the pigeons.

The flags that they wave have images of crossed-out birds (probably to inform the guests what the flags

Lanxi Li (‘16)/ Eastside Humor Editor

HUMOR

January 2014

EASTSIDE

Page 21

Students seek to rid themselves of new addiction ■ By Grace Shen (‘16)

Eastside Staff

In between classes, students are constantly using it. Without it, they feel clammy and anxious. Most students cannot endure one day separated from it.

Substance abuse is running rampant among the Cherry Hill East community, but nothing can hinder the growing addiction among East scholars. This drug is not only legal, but many educational authorities even encourage its use.

Progressbook (Parentaccessa cherryhilleastum) thrives in technological environments, such as computers, smartphones, tablets or any other device that has Internet access.

Students can easily recognize it by its minimalistic homepage, adorned with a single mahogany schoolbuilding button.

Common symptoms of a Progressbook addiction include a frequent desire to pull out a smartphone— regardless of the fact of whether it is a red zone or a green zone—having Progressbook as the Internet browser homepage and using Progressbook within five minutes of taking an assessment.

“I saw that a lot of my friends were on Progressbook at lunch, so I decided to check it out.” said Walt S. Migrade (’15). “Now I’m

hooked. After every class, I’m on Progressbook in the hallways. Sometimes I even go to the bathroom during class just so that I can use it.”

that when students view a grade that is approximately an eighty percent or above, their brains will release the chemical happin, which causes a feeling of relief

Depression, or a general feeling of sadness, has become a trend among Progressbook users. Each day, the guidance office at Cherry Hill East attends

Haley Schultz (‘14)/ Eastside News/Features Editor

Students hallucinate after too much of the drug “Progressbook.”

The effects of Progressbook are hazardous to students’ health. After prolonged usage, students become dependent on the chemicals with which Progressbook supplies them.

“My team and I have conducted exhaustive studies,” said neurologist Dr. Isa Quack. “We have concluded

and joy. However, viewing a lower grade will cause an imbalance in icryin, a chemical which causes sadness, in a student’s brain.

This is the most alarming aspect to the Progressbook: when students view low grades, they show symptoms very close to those of depression.”

to many students who report emotions of shame, constant disappointment or low self-esteem. The Guidance Department supplies the students with counseling in an attempt to help the students quit their addiction.

“Within the first few weeks of the school year,

Labbing out of gym causes anxiety ■ByBrettDashevsky(‘16) For Eastside

Because of this year’s new schedule, labbing out has become common in classes such as gym.

In fact, missing so much material in gym has caused many students to feel anxious and overwhelmed.

“I miss so much of the curriculum and it becomes such a problem because I didn’t learn how to do the activities,” said Rachel Finkleberg (‘16).

Finkleberg also described how she couldn’t sleep at night because she was so upset with all of the work she missed in her gym class.

With the recent decline in student grades in gym due to the lab-outs, the Cherry Hill Board of Education decided upon a solution to the problem.

“There will be no more labbing out because gym is such an important class and we are a community of scholars striving for excellence in all that we do,” said Dr. Moyer Schapman, East principal.

Schapman also included an inspiring quote about gym in his speech, which

was not reprinted here due to copyright issues.

The schedule change has excited many gym teachers, most notably Mr. Mike Shmullin.

“I don’t have to waste time reteaching the valuable material that the students missed,” he said.

He was later seen running around the hallways and ended up receiving a white card because he was mistaken for a student.

As the new schedule change was enforced, Harry Finkleberg (‘16) said, “I’m really happy I can finally be there every day for gym.

So much stress has been lifted from my shoulders. I don’t have to worry about missing badminton games anymore.”

East is expected to move up in the rankings for high schools due to the increased gym grades from enhanced skills. Since students are now given more instructional time in gym classes, their grades are higher.

Rumor has it that they plan to get rid of science completely to have more time for gym, leaving fewer students stressed by these lab-outs.

I had one D and two C’s,” said Anita Fone (‘16). “I was practically using Progressbook after each class.

I knew that I had a problem when I started using it even on the weekends, when I hung out with friends. My guidance counselor is helping to wean me off of it by keeping my iPhone during some classes, but it’s tough.

So far, I’ve been Progressbook-free for two block periods.”

The origin of the Progressbook epidemic is nebulous.

Parentaccessa has been around for many years, but studies have shown that most students do not begin usage until they have graduated from middle school.

“It’s weird to think that I didn’t even know about Progressbook a few months ago,” said Manny Frosh (’17). “Now, I can’t go one school day without it. When I forget my phone at home, I feel anxious.”

This epidemic is rampant among the Cherry Hill East classrooms and halls. Students are using Progressbook to self-destructive extents, and there are no legal restraints to prevent them from doing so. Each day, more and more students open this “book,” but Progressbook is one novel that an English teacher should not want students to read— they might never stop flipping through its pages.

News briefs logo by Helena Sirken (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director

Student flabbergasted by cleanliness of bathroom stall.

Aramark not allowed to sell during lunch due to school store complaints.

School administration flips a coin to determine snow days.

Student creates Zimbabwean Culture Society.

Library computer loads webpage slowly but surely.

Student reads The Onion, tries writing followup story.

Chemist publishes New Year’s Dissolutions.

Oxford Dictionary declares “scholar” as the word of 2013, Dr. Schapman enlightened.

Local man mildly dissapointed as he breaks his New Year’s Resolution.

Student types “lol” and actually laughs out loud.

Cherry Hill School District vows to consider students’ subtweets to BOE when making decisions about snow days.

SPORTS

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EASTSIDE

January 2014

The EEW Man Advantage brings new intensity to hockey games ■ By Jacob Borowsky (‘16)

Eastside Sports Editior

The East-Eastern-West, or EEW, hockey team has grown to become one of East’s best and most popular sports. Before this season, however, there was little to no school support for the team. While more popular sports like varsity football and boys’ varsity basketball have solid fanbases and regularly sell tickets, the hockey team has previously been minimized behind these more popular sports.

This season, however, the varsity hockey team saw the beginnings of a new fan-base, the “EEW Man Advantage,” which is growing rapidly every game.

The EEW Man Advantage was started by Zach McKenna (’15), a junior varsity hockey player, who along with his teammates thought a fan section would be a fun way to help the varsity squad out on the ice.

“Honestly, it just came out of nowhere,” McKenna said. “We were sitting in the locker room one day and thought of how cool it would be for the guys who aren’t playing on varsity to try and support our friends and teammates on the varsity team. It just kind of took off from there. We never thought it would get this big.”

McKenna said that his inspiration for the fan sec-

tion was not only fueled by his desire to support his friends, but as a way to compete against other schools that already had fan-bases. Before there was a fan section, McKenna said that the team did not really

already tripled in sized. The Man Advantage has already developed its own culture.

The section has become a legitimate force in the flow of games with its antics, which involve large signs, rally towels and chants.

ers, Sam Amon (’15) and Jesse Viggiano (’15), believe that the fan section has positively affected their play on the ice.

“The fan section is really fun for the players,” Amon said. “It’s like extra motiva-

Courtesy of Zach McKenna (‘15)

The EEW Man Advantage fanatically supports the team at the Flyers Skate Zone. have any following at all.

“Before the EEW Man Advantage was formed, the attendance at games was pretty much siblings and parents. I went to a few games before we had a fan section, and it is a total contrast to the fan section of today,” McKenna said.

While the fan section only began this year, it has

“We chose the name ‘EEW Man Advantage’ because we’re trying to be the extra-man out on the ice. Our goal is to help the players,” McKenna said.

“Unlike other high school sports, in hockey, there is really no limit to what you can bring to games or what you can say.”

Two of EEW’s top play-

tion when they’re cheering you on. It gives you an extra boost on the ice. They really make the game more exciting for everyone, fans and players alike.”

The team has improved drastically from its record last year, and is currently well over .500. This recent success may be directly related to the new following it

Countrymen look to return to old reputation ■ By Sam Greenberg (‘16)

In a survey of 7,580 people conducted by the Courier Post last season, DaFlock was voted the best student section in boys’ varsity basketball, winning 4,593 of the 7,580 possible In the midst of winter, students have reason to look forvotes. This is an honor the Countrymen would love to reward to another exciting basketball season at East. Of all of ceive and could receive in the near future. the students, the Countrymen of Cherry Hill East may be This year, the Countrymen will be led by a very strong sethe most excited. nior class that knows exactly what it takes for the CountryThe Countrymen are the unofficial fan section of East’s men to be one of the best student fan sections in the state. varsity boys’ basketball team. They hold a high importance Many dedicated Countrymen are returning this year, such to the school as well as to the basketball team, and they are as Griffen Colton (’14) and Zach Friedman (’14). anticipat“We reing another ally hope stellar seato get some son from leadership the boys’ from every varsity grade in squad. the school,” T w o F r i e d years ago, man said. the Coun“ T h e r e t r y m e n won’t be big showcased crowds untheir talless there ent off the is a myriad court by of reprehelping the sentation boys’ varfrom every sity basketgrade.” ball team go Frieddeep in the man and state playthe rest of offs.

For the Couneach playtrymen off game know that the team the turnCourtesy of Eastside: Rebecca Mulberg (‘12) won, the out for the The Countrymen fill up the stands at the South Jersey Group IV final game versus Atcrowd grew playoffs two larger, and lantic City in 2012. years ago more and more students wished to be part of the Countrywill be hard to duplicate. They want to make sure there is men. In fact, the large turnouts and distracting antics made a big enough crowd to make a difference at every home and the fan section comparable to the Cameron Crazies of Duke away game. Similar to how the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks are University, the most recognizable fan section in all of colofficially named the “twelfth man,” Friedman likes to think lege basketball. The Countrymen aim to provide the same that the Countrymen are like the “sixth man” for the boys’ energy for the Cougars as the Cameron Crazies do for the varsity basketball squad.

Blue Devils.

All East students are encouraged to join the “Cherry Hill After the standout crowd made an oustanding impact East Countrymen” group on Facebook and follow them on on opposing teams from all of South Jersey, many schools twitter “@CHEcountrymen.” wished to have a fan section such as the Countrymen. Last The Countrymen have the mindset that since they cannot season, Paul VI students formed their fan section known as be the ones making a difference on the court, they might as DaFlock. DaFlock was a powerful force for PVI as the team well be the ones making a difference off it. That is their ultiput together a solid season. DaFlock was right by the team’s mate goal: helping the team win even if that means cheering side through home and away games. as loud as humanly possible from the bleachers.

For Eastside

has acquired.

“It’s really inspiring to have everyone there supporting you. Some schools like Cherokee have had large fan sections for years now, so having one this year has really leveled the playing field,” Viggiano said.

First-year varsity coach Mr. Paul Desrochers said that he can clearly see the effect of the fan section based on the players’ effort on the ice.

“I think the fact that there’s now a following of students from schools supporting the team has been a real plus,” Desrochers said.

“They expected to play in front of mom, dad and maybe some siblings–now that they’re playing in front of a crowd of forty or fifty students who are watching and cheering them on every game, the kids really get into it. They want to go out there and prove that they can handle that level of play and win for the school.”

While expansion is one of McKenna’s main goals for next season, he believes that as long as at least someone is there to support the team, the fan section is a success.

“The first game we ever had a fan section, we brought in around ten to fifteen people, and yet we were still really loud. A small amount of people is just as good as a large amount of people, as long as there’s somebody there to support the team.”

Smith takes over the bowling program

■ By Ross Peterzell (‘14) For Eastside

Physical Education Teacher Mr. Ken Smith has decided to add to his list of contributions to Cherry Hill East as he takes on the job of the new bowling coach.

Smith has plenty of experience coaching at East. He is the girls’ JV soccer coach and an assistant varsity baseball coach.

When he learned that former bowling coach Mr. Michael Hischak was leaving after the 20122013 school year, Smith gladly applied for the job.

Smith bowled competitively for 10 years, before retiring to focus more on school and begin a family.

“This [coaching position] gives me the chance to be involved with [bowling] once again,” Smith said.

The bowlers are looking forward to having Smith coach this season.

“This is a good season, and hopefully we come out on top,” said secondyear bowler Matt Loeber (‘16).

Smith looks forward to a successful first season as East’s bowling coach.

SPORTS

Club Scout: The Ultimate Frisbee Club January 2014

EASTSIDE

■ By Luke Hinrichs (‘17)

For Eastside

The Ultimate Frisbee Club has given East students the opportunity to play one of the biggest upand-coming sports played today. Ultimate Frisbee is a non-contact team sport, played by thousands of people all over the world.

Ultimate Frisbee has simple rules to follow.

“You get the good out of sports without the negatives,” said Ultimate Frisbee Club Co-President Eric Babitz (‘14). “You don’t have to know how to play.

You will learn quickly.”

The club emphasizes good sportsmanship as central to the game. The players create a friendly atmosphere as they play this recreational game.

“Everybody gives onehundred percent effort,” said Co-President Shane

Haar (‘14).

The game is similar to football, in that each drive begins with both teams lining up on the front of their end zone line. The defense throws the disc to the offense, and the game begins. When the offense completes a pass in the defense’s end zone, the offense scores a point. After each score, the teams line up, and the defense throws the disc to continue the game.

Players may not run with the disc. The person with the disc has ten seconds to throw the disc or it is a turnover. The defender guarding the thrower counts out the stall count.

When a pass is not completed (out of bounds, drop, block or interception), the defense takes over and becomes the offense. No contact is allowed between players. Picks and screens are also not allowed.

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A foul results when contact is made between players.

If the player committing the foul disagrees with the foul call, the play is redone. Players are responsible for their own foul and line calls. These rules are important because they help to encourage fair play from both sides.

Fifteen to twenty players come to play every time the club Ali Wooten (‘14)/ Eastside Photo Editor meets, providing The Ultimate Frisbee Club meets on Fridays at 2:30. good teams and fun games. With each week comes Club offers competitive rooms on Friday afternoons new players, many of whom games, the ability to meet from 2:40 to 4:00, you return in the following new people and a good time. will see the club running weeks.

If you look outside at the around, tossing a Frisbee The Ultimate Frisbee side field near the locker and enjoying a great sport.

What to watch during the 2014 Winter Olympics ■ By Nick Ciocco (‘14)

Eastside Sports Editor

There is a lot to look forward to in the new year. For the world of sports, 2014 marks another year for the Winter Olympic Games, which will take place in Sochi, Russia. The games are scheduled to take place from February 6 to February 23. Since the games are such a prominent event across the entire globe, viewers should know which events to watch. My top ten winter sports are as follows: Number 10: Luge Luge is one of three sledding events in the Winter Olympics. In the Luge event, the lugers sled supine (face up) with their feet at the front of the sled. Luge is the fastest and most dangerous of the three sledding events. To steer, the luger must turn the blades of the sled with their calves. Luge is an exciting event to watch because lugers can reach tremendous speeds of up to 87 mph.

Number 9: Cross-Country Skiing Cross-Country Skiing is essentially the winter counterpart to Cross-Country Running. In this

event, skiiers ski across rough, snow-covered terrain over numerous distances. It is one of the most difficult endurance sports because its motions use every major muscle group. It is fun to watch because of the various terrains and hard work skiiers visually put forth during the event.

Number 8: Snowboarding The Winter Olympic Games have six male and six female snowboarding events. The best events to watch in snowboarding are the Men’s and Women’s half pipe, Men’s and Women’s Snowboard Cross and Men’s and Women’s Slopestyle.

Experience high flying acrobatics in the half pipe and slopestyle events as well as some enthralling races in the snowboard cross.

Number 7: Speed Skating Speed Skating is possibly the coolest sport in the Olympic Games. The sport features many multi-sport athletes and exemplifies what it takes to be com-

pletely focused and “in the zone.” It is incredible watching skaters glide effortlessly across the ice. There are numerous speed skating events which viewers should take note of.

Number 6: Curling Curling is like a quirkier version of shuffleboard on ice. Curling involves players sliding stones across ice toward a fourringed target area. It is played with four players on each team.

Playe r s take turns slidi n g

quickly through the moguls on the ground.

Number 4: Nordic Combined The Nordic Combined is a combined skiing event in which the skiers partake in Ski Jumping and Cross-Country Skiing. It is incredible how these athletes are able to do two major Olympic Events. First, the skiers compete in ski jumping, and after they compete in a crosscountry skiing race. Both are great events and it is good to see them combined in one larger event.

Number 3: Skeleton Skeleton is another sledding event where riders lay on the sled face first and go down the hill. It is very intense, because the riders are lying on their front side and they can experience a gravitational force of up to 5g. Like bobsleigh and luge, skeleton athletes get a fast running start and hop onto their sled before the downhill section of the track begins.

The dangerous speed of skeleton makes it exhilarating to watch.

Number 2: Bobsleigh A bobsleigh is a sled which is powered by gravity that fits either teams of two or four people. Rid

Rachel Pacitti (‘15)/ Eastside Art Directorers make runs down Ski Jumping will be the event to watch at the Winter Olympics. a narrow, twisting ice track and compete for the fastest time. Bobsleigh has althe heavy stone. ways been a popular Olympic Sport When a stone is slid, where competition continues to two sweepers violentget more difficult every year. This ly sweep the ice with year’s bobsleigh event will not disbrooms, directing the appoint. stones movement to wherever most benNumber 1: Ski Jumping efits their squad. It is Ski Jumping is definitely the very intense and there sport to watch in the 2014 Winter is a lot of yelling.

Olympic Games. If you have “Wii Fit,” you may have done the Ski Number 5: FreeJumping game on it. Watching style Skiing jumpers soar through the air while Freestyle Skiing - Moguls is the freeremaining completely still is astonstyle skiing event to ishing; it is truly an art form within watch. Both men and a sport. In this year’s U.S. Olympic women participate. It Trials, both the men and women involves skiing as fast flew distances well over 100m in as possible on a steep preparation for this exhilirating hill while weaving in event. and out of large mo guls. There are also The Winter Olympic Games in two big jumps the Sochi will end positively for the 2014 skier must hit and do U.S. National Team. Look forward tricks off of. It is very to these top events and prepare for fast and crazy to see the U.S. to bring home a staggering the skiers move so amount of medals this year.

SPORTS

January 2014

EASTSIDE

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Winter sports’ coaches discuss their expectations for the season Wrestling Bowling Girls’ Basketball

Bowling coach Mr. Ken Smith is in his first season as coach of the team.

“I’m trying my best to gauge where we stand in the conference as far as our ability level and likeliness to succeed.

My goal this season is to be as competitive as possible in our conference and hopefully end up on top at the end of the season.

Coach Smith I would also like us to participate in the team and individual playoffs,” said Smith.

Smith hopes to continue promoting the bowling team as much as he can. He beleives that students should play because bowling is a fun, easy-to-learn sport.

Smith will also strive to gain more attention for the girls’ team than what they currently receive because they are a varsity sport just as much as the boys’ team.

Girls’ varsity basketball coach Mr. Kevin Owens believes that the team has the ability to play well in his first season as coach.

His goal, as well as his expectation, is to win games. “ T h i s team is good enough to win now,” Owens said.

“I don’t focus Coach Owens on last season.

I’m only focused on the present. We have a great group of seniors who are great leaders and we can definitely surprise a lot of people in the South Jersey area this year.”

Owens has faith in his starting five players as well as in his bench players to support one another in order to have a successful season.

Boys’ Swimming

Coach Cucinotti Mr. Joe Cucinotti, coach of the boys’ swim team, said that he expects the team to have the same success they have had in the past five seasons. Cucinotti said that he has created short-term and long

-term goals in hopes of accomplishing these aspirations.

The team would like to have five individual state qualifiers, to complete the season undefeated, and to score at least 4,000 power points in the regular season. Most importantly, the team wants to win a sixthstraight sectional championship.

“These short-term goals have been created because we think we can reach a greater level of success if we accomplish these tasks. We feel we can compete and win a state title if we accomplish our shortterm goals. This team is deeper than other teams in past years, so our goals are not out of reach,” said Cucinotti.

Cucinotti will spend the season determining which swimmers deserve to swim which events.

Cucinotti’s approach to this season will be to ensure that this year’s boys’ swim team is the best team since the state champion team of 2002.

Winter Track

Winter track coach Mr. Matt Cieslik said that his goal for the team is for as many runners as possible to qualify for state championships. After States, Cieslik wants at least one individual and one relay team to qualify for the national competition.

Coach Cieslik also said that he exCoach Cieslik pects some surprise runners to qualify for States and take over the leadership roles of some of the departing seniors.

“The expectation would be that some of the athletes who haven’t been put in positions where they are expected to score points would move into roles where they can compete at a state and national level,” Cieslik said. “I’ve seen it in practice, but now we have to see if it translates in competitions.”

Winter track is often called a practice season, where many of the top runners can rehabilitate and condition for the spring. However, Cieslik said that the team will definitely look to have a competitive edge this year.

Wrestling coach Mr. Michael Brown said that this season will be a “rebuilding year” for the team. The team is starting this coming season without nine of last year’s starters, and have lost other players who are injured and decided not to play. However, Brown expresses Coach Brown optimism about the team’s future, because the team has about 40 players compared to around 30 players in the previous seasons, many of whom are first-year players. For Brown, a .500 record would be a great finish.

Brown believes that aside from the young core, many players have the potential to achieve greatness at the regional and state levels.

“We definitely have a couple of individuals like Pat Swenson (’14) or Frank Kelly (’14) who could do really well and go to States. As a team, finishing with a .500 record would be good, as we rebuild for next season with a nice group of freshmen and sophmores,” Brown said.

Girls’ Swimming

Girls’ swim team coach Mrs. Anita Bowser said her goal is the same as it is every season—to win a state championship. In the past two seasons, the team has been South Jersey sectional champs, but then lost in the fourth round of States both years. The girls were undefeated until the loss at Sectionals, earning themselves the South Jersey Team of the Year Award from the Courier Post. Coach Bowser won Coach of the Year as well.

Swimming has always been a competitive sport at East, so there are always high expectations for the team. While three of the girls’ top swimmers graduated last season, the team expects to continue competing just as well as it has in previous seasons. Bowser believes that the team has a legitimate shot at breaking some state records this year.

Bowser also credits much of the team’s success to leadership from the seniors.

Boys’ Basketball Boys’ varsity basketball coach Mr. Dave Allen said that his goal for the season is to bring the best out of everyone.

“Our goal for the season is to reach our potential,” Allen said. “We don’t necessarily know what that is at Coach Allen this point, but what we have in terms of potential is measured by our talent and our experience.”

Allen expects players to play their hardest. He believes that this season will be a success if he can get total commitment from everyone.

“Winning and losing you can’t control,” Allen said, “but you can play hard, play smart, and play together.”

The team is coming off of an above average 18-10 season capped off by a disappointing loss to Shawnee last year, and looks to play just as well, if not better, this season.

Coach Bowser “Our captains and seniors do a great job of planning team bonding activities so they can get closer as a team, which in turn makes us more successful,” Bowser said.

Cheerleading

Cheerleading coach Ms. Jen DiStefano said that the goal of the cheerleading program this year is to show school spirit, possess good character and enhance the community culture here at East, just like every season.

“I had a great first football season Coach DiStefano as head cheer coach and I am looking forward to this basketball season. My hope is that we get more and more fans out to the games and really coordinate the fans with the cheerleadrers and the Countrymen,” DiStefano said.

Write-ups by Jacob Borowsky (‘16) and Marlee Zeitz (‘16)/ Eastside Sports Editors Art by Rachel Pacitti (‘15)/ Eastside Art Director Photos by Emily Cao (‘16)/ For Eastside